Chicha

Chicha is a beer made from corn that is widely used (and abused) in Central and South America. It is often consumed while still fermenting and low in alcohol. It is generally slightly sour. Chicha may also be spiced with almost anything, or fruit may be added to the ferment or at the time of serving.

Chicha has been made for thousands of years, most notably by the Incas, who brewed it on a commercial scale.

  Chicha is a beer made by the Shuar, it is considered to be sacred. The Shuar allow only women to touch or produce the chicha. The men are not allowed to touch the chicha with the outside of their bodies except for their lips. it is produced using the manioc root prepared in a special process, then chewed and spit it into a large pot to ferment.

Chi"cha (?), n. [Sp.]

See Chica.

 

© Webster 1913.