Chicha

Chicha is a type of traditional drink that is often made in parts of South America.

To make chicha, people first start by soaking corn in water for a few days. This starts a process called fermentation, which is when special types of little living creatures called yeast start to eat the sugars in the corn and turn them into alcohol.

After a few days of soaking, the corn is taken out of the water and then chewed by people! Yes, you read that right - chewed! By chewing the corn and then spitting it into a container, enzymes in our saliva help break down the corn and help turn it into alcohol faster.

Once all of the corn has been chewed, the mixture is left to ferment for a few more days. When it's ready, it is strained and then mixed with fruit, like pineapple or apple. Some people even add honey or spices to make it taste even better.

Overall, chicha is a special type of drink that takes a lot of time and effort to make, but it's enjoyed by many people in South America and is an important part of their culture.