Champús is a traditional drink from Peru and other Latin American countries. Discover its history, learn how to prepare it, and explore where to try it in Peru.
Champús is a word with several versions of its origin. One says it comes from the Quechua "cchapuy," which literally means a mixture of flour and water. Another attributes it to Spanish, derived from the term "chapuza," which refers to something that involves mixing several things. A third attributes it to another Quechua word, "champa," and over time, it evolved into the name by which it is known today.
Champús: a traditional purple corn and fruit drink. Image credits to Cookpad.com
History of Champús
Champús undoubtedly originated in the pre-Columbian cultures of South America. Its consumption was part of rituals and festivities typical of the cultures of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
In these countries, it evolved according to local customs, creativity, and the regional predominance of native fruits or those introduced by the Spanish.
However, the country where it has acquired the greatest relevance and global reach is Peru.
Origins of Champús
The origin of champús remains a matter of debate, as hypotheses have been raised about its possible indigenous origin. This is believed to be the case, given the type of ingredients used in its preparation and the region where it is most commonly consumed. However, Fernando Romero and Nicomedes Santa Cruz question the African origin of the juice. They argue that people of African descent produced it in the various areas where the slave trade was prevalent.
According to Augusto Malaret, "champús" is derived from the Spanish root "chapuz," meaning something poorly made or a mixture of many things.
On the other hand, the oldest recorded name of the drink ("champuz de agrio") is found in "El divorcio de la condesita". Extracted from (Tradiciones Peruanas, 1833) By Ricardo Palma.
Champús Recipe
In Peru, champús is traditionally found in Lima, although it's also a popular drink found elsewhere in the country. It's usually sold on the street. In the 19th century, it was common to find shampoo stalls in the Plaza de Armas. In Lima, champús is drunk hot in winter, especially at Christmas.
- Two chopped quinces.
- A quarter kilo of mote.
- Two liters of water.
- One cinnamon stick.
- Five cloves.
- Two orange leaves.
- A quarter teaspoon of anise seeds.
- Three diced apples.
- The pulp of a seedless soursop.
- Sugar, to your liking.
- Half a kilo of yellow corn.
- Ground cinnamon.
Preparation
- The mote should soak the day before.
- Cook it, without adding salt, over low heat the next day until it is tender.
- In a pot, combine the water with cinnamon, cloves, orange leaves, and anise, and bring to a boil for 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and cook the apples and quinces in it until very soft but not falling apart.
- Add the corn flour dissolved in water to the liquid and stir constantly until it thickens.
- Then add the sugar, mote, and the seedless soursop pulp.
- Finally, if you prefer, serve your champús hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- You can serve it cold, already chilled, as a refreshing drink, ideal for a snack. In this case, let it sit before refrigerating it, and once cooled, you can add ice to each glass you serve.
- It is recommended that you use very fresh and ripe fruit when preparing shampoos, as this will give you more intense flavors.
- If you prefer a thinner or less thick texture, you should strain your champús before refrigerating it.
Where to drink champús
As this is a traditional and original drink from northern Peru, you'll find places where you can enjoy it. You can also try it in other areas, as mentioned below.
In Lima
Dulcería Santa Rosa: You'll find it at Jirón Leoncio Prado 471, Magdalena del Mar, Lima.
Dulcería Rosita: Known since 1976 for its colonial pastries, you can find it at Jirón Cabo Nicolás Gutarra 398, Pueblo Libre, Lima 15084.
In Cusco
Mercado Santa Teresa: This market, a tribute to Peruvian cuisine, offers a wide variety of products. It's located at Santa Teresa 356, Cusco 08002.
Chiriuchu: Specializes in typical foods and drinks from the Andean region, particularly those from Cusco. You can find it at Sorama Street 26, Cusco 08006.
Imagenes credits to wapa.pe and cookpad.com
