Chicha de jora:

cauim de milho germinado nos Andes

Abstract

The South American beer of maize (chicha de maíz or chicha de jora) or aqha is a traditional and millennial fermented drink from the Andean highlands. On this article, I present ethnographic research on the production and consumption of chicha in peasants communities located in the Cuzco region in Peru. I argue that there is a strong link between chicha and corn crop, the female occupation of chichera, and the role of chicherias on the social cohesion of peasants communities on the Andes. Lastly, I analyze the transformations and substitution caused by modernity and capitalism in the current traditional elaboration of South American beer. The aim is to contribute to the revaluation of this traditional Andean drink.