 |
Selling guaranß powder in the Ver-o-Peso Market in BelΘm. |
|
Selling guaranß powder in the Ver-o-Peso Market in BelΘm. |
Guaranß (paullinea cupana) is a tropical plant with small red fruit with a high caffeine content. The people of the Amazon region in Brazil chew guaranß seeds as a source of energy or drink the powder dissolved in water. In the US guaranß can be found in powdered form in health food stores. What most Americans don't know is that guaranß is also a very popular soft drink in Brazil. When I serve it to my friends they say it tastes a bit like Cream Soda. Fortunately for us guaranß lovers we can find it in Brazilian and Latin stores around the US. Try it! You'll like it!
 |
Guaranß soft drink |
If you've read this far, here's a bonus: this is a fabulous punch recipe made with guaranß and champagne. Next time you have a party, surprise your guests!
Guaranß Punch
1 can pineapple chunks
1 bottle TrΦs Brut Champagne
3 cans guaranß
1 bottle of grape juice (700 ml)
Mix everything about 2 hours before serving and refrigerate covered. If you find it too sweet, add a little water.
Ver-o-Peso photo courtesy of Dr. Hilton da Silva.