Buying Bolivian Api: A Step-By-Step Guide

Bolivian api, or api morado, is a traditional drink of the indigenous people of Bolivia. It is made from purple corn and often served at breakfast. The deep purple colour comes from anthocyanins, which are flavonoid antioxidants also found in blueberries, grapes, plums, and eggplant. The drink can be served hot or cold and is usually accompanied by a pastry called a buñuelo, a deep-fried soft dough. It is typically sold at hole-in-the-wall restaurants and street vendors, often as the only item on the menu. While it is high in sugar and may be too sweet for some, it is a delicious and hearty way to start the day.

Where to buy purple corn

Purple corn, also known as maiz morado, is a variety of extra-large kernel corn grown in the Andes region of South America, specifically in the coastal areas and mountainous zones of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. It is known for its deep purple kernels, which are chewier, starchier, and less sweet than typical corn. Purple corn is considered a superfood due to its high levels of phenolics and anthocyanins, which are plant chemicals found in deeply pigmented plants and offer high antioxidant activity.

You can purchase purple corn from various online retailers, such as Amazon, Amigo Foods, Instacart, and Safeway. These retailers offer purple corn in 15-ounce packaging, either as whole corn cobs or kernels. The price for purple corn varies depending on the retailer and product specifications, but it generally ranges from $13.65 to $215.

When buying purple corn, it is important to consider your intended use. Purple corn can be used in a variety of ways, including making the popular Peruvian drink chicha morada, adding colour and flavour to cooked rice, grinding into cornmeal for cornbread, or simply adding it to soups, sauces, salsas, or stews.

Additionally, when purchasing purple corn, it is essential to store it properly to maintain its freshness and quality. Purple corn should be stored in a dry, cool place, ensuring that it is protected from moisture and extreme temperatures, which can affect its texture and taste.

How to make api morado

Api morado is a traditional Bolivian drink made from purple corn. It is usually served at breakfast alongside a pastry called a "buñuelo" or a cheese empanada. The drink is thick, hearty, and can be served hot or cold. Here is a recipe for api morado:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of ground purple corn or purple corn flour
• 15 cups of water
• 2 sticks of cinnamon
• 5 whole cloves
• Rind from one orange, finely grated (zest)
• Sugar to taste
• Pineapple juice (optional)

Directions:

• Soak the ground purple corn flour in 6 cups of water for about half an hour.
• Boil the remaining 9 cups of water with the cinnamon and cloves, so the water takes on the flavor of the spices.
• Add the soaked corn flour to the boiled cinnamon water.
• Add the grated orange rind.
• Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
• Add sugar to taste. You can also add pineapple juice for extra flavor.
• Serve hot or cold.

The beautiful dark purple color of the drink comes from anthocyanins, which are flavonoid antioxidants also found in other dark-colored produce like blueberries, grapes, and eggplant. Along with its delicious taste, api morado also offers potential health benefits due to the nutritional properties of purple corn.

The history of api

Api morado is typically served hot alongside fried pastries topped with powdered sugar, called buñuelos, or cheese-filled empanadas. The drink is also sometimes accompanied by a white corn flour variety called api blanco, which is prepared using milk and crushed white corn or hominy.

Api morado has a thick, smoothie-like consistency and is made with purple corn flour, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, orange rind, pineapple juice, and sugar. The beverage is known for its rich, vibrant purple colour, which is a result of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid antioxidant also found in other dark produce such as blueberries, grapes, and eggplant.

In addition to its distinctive colour, api morado is also known for its sweet, spicy flavour. The drink is often likened to a "steaming hot cup of rich, liquid corn sugar" that is thick enough to eat with a spoon. While it is typically consumed hot, it can also be served chilled, making it a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed year-round.

Although it is possible to buy powdered api packets in stores, many people prefer to make their own fresh api morado at home, using traditional recipes that have been passed down through the generations.

Health benefits of api

Api, a traditional Bolivian beverage, is made by fermenting purple corn and has been attributed to several health benefits.

The beautiful dark purple colour of the corn is due to anthocyanins, which are flavonoid antioxidants also found in other dark-coloured fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, grapes, plums, and eggplants. The phytonutrients in purple corn can promote blood flow, act as an anti-inflammatory, and positively impact blood glucose levels. These antioxidants have also shown promising results in protecting against diseases, although more research is needed to establish a definitive link between anthocyanins and human health.

Api is typically consumed hot, especially in the Andean regions of Bolivia, and is considered a hearty breakfast drink. It is often accompanied by fritters called buñuelos or cheese-filled empanadas. Although it has a high sugar content, the drink provides plenty of energy and is perfect for cold mountain mornings.

What to eat with api

Api, a traditional Bolivian drink, is commonly served with buñuelos, which are fritters or fried pastries topped with powdered sugar. These pastries are often cheese-filled, making them similar to empanadas. This combination of api and buñuelos is known as api con pastel and is a popular breakfast meal in Bolivia.

The drink api is made from purple maize or corn flour, cinnamon, water, and sugar, and the deep purple colour comes from anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid antioxidant. The drink is thick, sweet, and hearty, and when paired with the fried pastries, makes for a very filling breakfast.

In addition to buñuelos, api can also be accompanied by pastel con queso, a type of cheese-filled empanada or fried pastry topped with sugar. The cheese used in pastel con queso is often salty, so the sugar balances out the flavour.

Both api and buñuelos can be purchased from street vendors or hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and they are commonly sold together as a breakfast meal.

Frequently asked questions