Chicha Morada (Peru)

Chicha Morada is a traditional Peruvian beverage made by boiling purple corn with pineapple rinds, cinnamon, and cloves, then sweetening it with sugar and adding lime juice. It is a refreshing, deep-purple drink enjoyed throughout Peru, often served cold as a staple at meals and celebrations. The drink's vibrant color and fruity-spiced flavor make it one of the most iconic non-alcoholic beverages in Peruvian cuisine.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Chicha Morada is high in carbohydrates due to its sugar content, with negligible fat and protein. It provides a good source of antioxidants from the purple corn, along with vitamin C from lime juice, and a typical serving contains around 150-200 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	0.5 g
Carbs	44 g
Fat	0.2 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	40 g
Sodium	10 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Potassium	120 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Magnesium	15 mg
Manganese	0.3 mg
Phosphorus	25 mg
Vitamin B6	0.05 mg
Zinc	0.2 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The deep purple color of Chicha Morada comes from anthocyanins in the purple corn, which are powerful antioxidants. It is a culturally significant drink in Peru, often prepared at home and served at festivals, and its recipe varies slightly by region.