Pulque: Harvesting Aguamiel in the Fields with a Zapotec Family
Many visitors to Oaxaca, both Mexican nationals and those from further abroad, have told us that they have tried pulque in pulquerías in Mexico City or elsewhere in the country, and are not particularly fond of it, for whatever reason. They have not imbibed Oaxacan pulque!
What is Pulque?
Pulque is a pre-Hispanic fermented beverage that predates mezcal. For more about pulque and aguamiel (translation, honey water), see the BBC article Mexico´s Ancient Drink Makes a Comeback.
Many visitors to Oaxaca are shocked at how different Oaxacan pulque is from what they're tried before, in or around Mexico City, or elsewhere in Mexico. They are pleasantly surprised, to say the least: It could be the difference in the species of agave from which the sweet aguamiel has been extracted, and its terrior; it could be the strain of bacterium which interacts with the honey water; it could even be that they have only tried urban pulqueria curados, some of which are made with artificial sugars, fruit or oats, and even commercial canned pulque.
What is Pulque?
Pulque is a pre-Hispanic fermented beverage that predates mezcal. For more about pulque and aguamiel (translation, honey water), see the BBC article Mexico´s Ancient Drink Makes a Comeback.
Many visitors to Oaxaca are shocked at how different Oaxacan pulque is from what they're tried before, in or around Mexico City, or elsewhere in Mexico. They are pleasantly surprised, to say the least: It could be the difference in the species of agave from which the sweet aguamiel has been extracted, and its terrior; it could be the strain of bacterium which interacts with the honey water; it could even be that they have only tried urban pulqueria curados, some of which are made with artificial sugars, fruit or oats, and even commercial canned pulque.
What Pulque Tours Do We Offer?
There’s nothing like hopping into the back of a pick-up with a native Zapotec family, just before dusk, driving over unpaved bumpy dirt roads, and stopping in the midst of a field of majestic pulquero agaves; then participating in the process – and of course drinking the honey water as it is being extracted from the hollow in the middle of the plant.
There’s nothing like hopping into the back of a pick-up with a native Zapotec family, just before dusk, driving over unpaved bumpy dirt roads, and stopping in the midst of a field of majestic pulquero agaves; then participating in the process – and of course drinking the honey water as it is being extracted from the hollow in the middle of the plant.
This is a very special outing, something that 99.9% of Oaxacans have never experienced. And when we have taken them out into the fields, to a number they have been extremely appreciative of the opportunity we have provided to them.
It’s not every tlachiquero (someone who extracts aguamiel) who will allow non-indigenous people, non-locals that is, to accompany them into the fields. We have established relationships with two families, and they are pleased to have our clients accompany them on the harvest. This is one of those experiences which one recalls time and again, over decades: http://tequilaaficionado.com/2019/11/28/harvesting-aguamiel-in-oaxaca/
We generally take our clients out into the fields with our Zapotec tlachiquero amigos towards the end of the day after touring a variety of small palenques. It usually involves making plans a few days in advance, but sometimes last minute excursions can be arranged. We have found that dawn excursions are a little too onerous for those on a short visit to Oaxaca.
At the end of the experience, we offer a special option for our clients, involving visiting with our gracious hosts. It generally depends on if our clients have made early dinner or others plans to be back in the city at a particular time. Ask, and we’ll explain.
For more or to book your own pulque tour, contact Alvin at: mezcaleducationaltours-at-hotmail.com
