Guaraná

Selling guaraná powder in the Ver-o-Peso Market in Belém.

Guaraná (paullinea cupana) is a tropical plant with small red fruit with a high caffeine content. The people of the Amazon region in Brazil chew guaraná seeds as a source of energy or drink the powder dissolved in water. In the US guaraná can be found in powdered form in health food stores. What most Americans don't know is that guaraná is also a very popular soft drink in Brazil. When I serve it to my friends they say it tastes a bit like Cream Soda. Fortunately for us guaraná lovers we can find it in Brazilian and Latin stores around the US. Try it! You'll like it!

 

Guarana Antarctica.  Copyright Sheila Thomson.  All rights reserved.

Guaraná soft drink

If you've read this far, here's a bonus: this is a fabulous punch recipe made with guaraná and champagne. Next time you have a party, surprise your guests!

Guaraná Punch

1 can pineapple chunks

1 bottle Très Brut Champagne

3 cans guaraná

1 bottle of grape juice (700 ml)

Mix everything about 2 hours before serving and refrigerate covered. If you find it too sweet, add a little water.

Ver-o-Peso photo courtesy of Dr. Hilton da Silva.

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