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Across the globe, there are countless types of alcoholic beverages, including whiskey, wine, and beer. However, in the Amazon basin of South America, a traditional drink known as Chicha de Yuca is produced, which might make some feel queasy just hearing about it. This beverage is crafted from the yuca root (also known as cassava), but the secret to its flavor lies in an unexpected ingredient: saliva!

Indeed, the preparation involves women chewing the yuca and then spitting it out, which is then fermented for consumption. While locals enjoy its sweet and sour taste, outsiders often label it as one of the most repulsive drinks in the world. A video titled 'How They Made Chicha De Yuca Drink' has gone viral on social media.

Ancient Roots of Chicha
Chicha's origins trace back to the Inca Empire, with its production dating back to 5000 BC in the Andes region. According to Wikipedia, Chicha can be made from corn, quinoa, or yuca. In the Amazon, particularly among tribes in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, yuca is used to create this drink.

The process begins with boiling the yuca to soften it, as raw yuca is toxic. Women then take handfuls of yuca, chew it, and spit it into a bowl, a process that lasts about 30 minutes. The enzymes in saliva (amylase or ptyalin) convert starches into sugars, which yeast or bacteria then ferment into alcohol. As noted by Atlas Obscura, this fermentation occurs within hours, resulting in a mildly sweet and sour beverage.

Enjoying the Drink
This method of using saliva is reminiscent of Japan's sake or certain Finnish beers, where saliva fermentation is common. According to Tasty Plate, the bacteria and yeast present in saliva accelerate fermentation. As for hygiene? Food Republic states that the alcohol production kills off bacteria, making it safe to consume.

Nonetheless, in modern times, many places utilize malted yuca or industrial methods that do not involve saliva. In the Ecuadorian Quichua tribe, this drink is considered a welcoming beverage. As reported by Visit Ecuador and South America, Chicha made from yuca is used in rituals throughout the Amazon. The viral video has sparked discussions, with many labeling this drink as the most disgusting in the world.