Enjoy horchata

My wife and I took a short holiday in the Valencia region of Spain in September ’04 and bring good news for those suffering from cholesterol problems! Let me introduce you to a popular drink called horchata.

This drink is based on the chufa (tiger nut), grown in the sandy silt soil of the region and enjoying a temperate climate without frosts in the first months of the growing cycle.

According to researchers at the University of Valencia, the fatty acids of horchata are similar to that of olive oil — good for the heart (in preventing arteriosclerosis) and perhaps capable of reducing the risks of certain types of cancer. Horchata contributes to a decrease in so-called “bad” cholesterol and to an increase in “good” cholesterol and a reduction in triglycerides. Moreover, it contains potassium and phosphorus, very little sodium and no lactose.

Well, we didn’t have time to drink so much of it to satisfy clinical tests, but it is a delicious drink, drunk cold.

Horchata is normally available in cafés, rather than bars or restaurants, and is sold by the glass. We bought ours from stores in one-liter plastic bottles. As the drink is sterilized, it will keep unopened for up to 12 months with no problem — but once opened it should be kept refrigerated and drunk within five days.

The brand name of the ones we brought back was Chufi. I think the cost for a liter bottle was about €.60 (81¢).

It’s good tasting and good for you. Enjoy!

DAVID GLASS
Laree, France