The Legend of James I and Orxata
Popular history says that during the Reconquest, Jaume I discovered horchata when he entered Valencia, when a woman offered him a glass of milk from chuffles. According to legend, James I found the drink so delicious that he exclaimed: “This is not milk! This is gold, chat!”. Despite this beautiful history, it is important to emphasize that the word “chata” is a modern Castilianism, and that horchata has a much older and more complex history.
The Truth about Orxata
According to the 18th century RAE dictionary, horchata is a drink made from melon seeds, pumpkin, some almonds, all crushed and squeezed, and flavored with sugar. This shows that horchata has very old roots and that its recipe has evolved over time. Today, horchata is known as a vegetable liquid that is usually made with oats, but can be made with other available ingredients.
A Traditional Recipe
With the arrival of summer, a traditional way to make horchata is from the seeds and central pulp of the melon. This recipe connects us to the past and allows us to enjoy a refreshing drink in an authentic way. You can also make horchata with puff pastry, varying the ingredients to suit personal tastes.
An Imperial Drink
For those looking for a more elaborate recipe, consider the imperial drink from Tratado del arte de repostería y licorista of 1832. This recipe calls for horchata, young chicken meat, sugar and cinnamon, offering a more complex option for lovers of the horchata
conclusion
Horchata is much more than just a refreshing drink. Its rich and diverse history shows us that it has been appreciated for centuries and that its recipes can vary according to personal preferences and local traditions. So the next time you enjoy a horchata, remember that you are tasting a part of the region’s history and culture.
