Corn is a staple food in many diets around the world which I hesitate to include in my meals. I'm suspicious of even fresh, raw corn because of growing practices and how widely genetically modified corn is. However, I do enjoy experimenting with ancient and historical foods and herbs, for example Incan Berries and Jungle Peanuts. And when the cooler months start to roll in, I even enjoy steamed corn as a warming side dish to my raw meals. Corn is undoubtedly one of the most ancient and widely consumed food sources in the world and when grown organically and responsibly can make for a wonderful addition to soups and all sorts of other dishes, I especially love it dehydrated with mushrooms and eggplant for raw patties. One of the most ancient forms of corn is a Kculli, purple corn. I had no idea what to do with this purple corn when I saw it at the store and wondered how raw foodies were using these hard kernels in their diet so, I did some research and it turns out raw purple corn is used to make a wonderful and nutritious drink called Chicha Morada.
To make Chicha Morado all you have to do is soak purple corn kernels with some cinnamon sticks and pineapple (exact recipe below). Chicha Morada is incredibly high in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties, promotes blood flow, reduces cholesterol and supports healthy blood sugar levels.
Chicha Morado Recipe:
1 lb of purple corn cobs or ¼ lb of purple corn kernels
4 quarts of water
2 cinnamon sticks
2 cloves
Yacon syrup to taste and several handfuls of pineapple chunks (You can also use Agave)
½ cup fresh lime juice
1 cup of fresh fruit
Directions:
Fill a pot with the kernels and add 4 quarts of water. Next, add cloves and cinnamon sticks and soak overnight. Pour the liquid into a glass container and fill the pot up with water again, and let soak. After about 1 hour, pour the liquid into the same glass container. Squeeze a ½ cup of fresh limes into the mixture and refrigerate.
Optional:
Add Aji peppers before serving for a little additional kick
Next I would like to learn how to make raw purple corn chips!
For more information on Purple Corn visit: http://purplecorn.wordpress.com/2007/10/15/purple-corn-science/
xo stephany
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i did hesitate with my consumption of corn for a long time but after eating raw i dont need to think about it so much. its great. also my consumption of the soy bean for those same reasons. but anyways i want to try this recipe. where can i purchase purple corn in our area? i dont think ive ever seen it available where i normally shop id like to get some.
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