Fermented Pineapple Skin Drink
A refreshing and gut-healthy probiotic beverage made from pineapple skins, inspired by traditional Guyanese and Mexican fermented drinks like tepache, promoting digestion and reducing food waste.
Ingredients
- 1 whole organic pineapple skins from a well-washed pineapple
- 8 cup filtered water
- 0.5 cup brown sugar or to taste
- 1 cinnamon stick optional
- 3-4 whole cloves optional
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the pineapple. Carefully peel the skin, ensuring no fruit flesh is left attached. You can also include the pineapple core.
- In a large glass jar or pitcher (at least 2-liter capacity), combine the pineapple skins (and core if using), filtered water, and brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the cinnamon stick and whole cloves, if using. These spices add a wonderful depth of flavor to the drink.
- Cover the jar opening with a breathable cloth (like cheesecloth) and secure it with a rubber band. This allows air to circulate while keeping out contaminants.
- Place the jar in a warm spot away from direct sunlight for 24 to 72 hours. The fermentation time will vary depending on the temperature and your desired level of fizziness and tartness.
- Check the drink daily for bubbles and taste it to monitor the fermentation process. Once it reaches your preferred level of fermentation, strain the liquid into clean bottles.
- Store the fermented drink in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed immediately and will last for about 5-7 days.
Notes
For best results, use organic pineapple to avoid pesticides. The fermentation time can vary based on ambient temperature and desired sweetness/tanginess. In warmer climates, it might ferment faster (24-48 hours). For more fizz, after straining, bottle the liquid in airtight bottles and allow it to sit at room temperature for another 12-24 hours before refrigerating. You can experiment with adding other spices like ginger slices or lime zest for different flavor profiles. Serve chilled.