Aguapanela (panela water) is a traditional sweet drink made with panela, which brings many benefits, and is usually made in countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru. Discover how to do it with the 2 recipes we propose.
Depending on the country where we are, we can enjoy different natural drinks that become, in fact, the main hallmark of that place. In the case of all of South America (as well as some parts of Central and Caribbean America), the so-called agua panela -also known as panela water- stands out, a wonderful drink that is produced from the brown sugar
And what is panela? As you probably know, the panela basically consists of the juice of sugarcane, which does not undergo any type of chemical or refined process, and is capable of preserving all the nutrients that sugarcane provides or provides. That is, it is produced from sugarcane juice, which has been solidified.
Among its nutrients, we can mention the presence of vitamins (from groups B, A, C, D, and E), as well as minerals (such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and zinc).
However, we must bear in mind that depending on the country in which we are, the panela is known by other names. For example, it could be the case of panelón, Pepa dulce, piloncillo, scraping, tied sweet, or cap of sweet.
What is aguapanela or panela water?
As you can imagine, the agua panela - or panela water - is a drink resulting from the infusion prepared from the panela. Although there are different recipes, in countries like Colombia or Brazil it is used in the same way as tea, and it even becomes an alternative to coffee. Moreover, it is even used as a base for making coffee or hot chocolate.
In addition, in other countries, such as Chile or Peru, it is common to add a splash of lemon to the drink and drink it in the same way as it would be done with a medicinal infusion made with plants and herbs.
But you can't just drink hot. In fact, the most common is to consume it cold and/or accompanied by ice, so that it becomes a wonderful drink with great cooling power.
How is agua panela prepared?
As we will see in the next section, in which we explain how to make panela water at home, the truth is that the preparation of panela water is very simple.
Basically, it is made by placing pieces of solidified panela in water, which can be cold or hot. Then the liquid is stirred until it has completely dissolved.
Aguapanela recipe: how to make it at home
Traditional hot aguapanela
On this occasion, we will learn to make traditional panela water, in the same way, that it is made in Colombia, Brazil, or Venezuela. Do you dare to elaborate with us?
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of water
- Panela- Piloncillo in pieces (to taste)
How to make panela water:
- Put the water in a small saucepan or pot and heat until it boils. When it reaches this state, lower the heat.
- When the water stops boiling add the panela in pieces and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Ready! After this time you can serve it in a cup and enjoy this traditional drink.
If you wish you can add a splash of freshly squeezed lemon to the drink, which will bring even greater benefits.
Traditional cold aguapanela
If instead of drinking hot panela water you prefer to drink it cold, then we explain how to make it. This option is ideal for the hottest days when you want to cool down.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- Panela- Piloncillo in pieces or grated
Preparation of cold Panna water:
- If you are going to use panela in pieces, put the water in a cup and add the panela (to taste).
- Then stir well until you notice that the panela has completely dissolved.
- In case you use striped panela, you just have to add it to the water and stir a little.
Benefits of aguapanela
Nutritional properties
Panela water is very rich in essential nutrients. For example, it provides interesting amounts of vitamins and minerals. Among the vitamins, the presence of vitamins of groups B, A, C, D, and E. stands out, while among the minerals we find magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, iron, and calcium.
It is, as we will see, a very energetic drink, since it is very rich in carbohydrates, highlighting the contribution in the form of sucrose and fructose.
Very energetic and caloric drink
Since piloncillo water is made from the dissolution of piloncillo, which is nothing more than sugarcane juice, it provides a high amount of sucrose, as well as to a lesser extent fructose and glucose.
Therefore, agua panela is a very energetic drink, the consumption of which is not recommended in case of diabetes or by those who are following a weight loss diet.
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