Aguapanela (panela water) is a traditional sweet drink made with panela, which provides many benefits, and is usually made in countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador or Peru. Discover how to make it with the 2 recipes that we propose.
Depending on the country we are in, 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 America and the Caribbean), the so-called aguapanela -also known by the name of agua de panela- stands out especially , a wonderful drink that is produced from the panela.
And what is panela? As you probably know, panela basically consists of the juice of the sugar cane, which by not undergoing any type of chemical or refining process, is capable of preserving all the nutrients that sugar cane provides or provides us with. That is, it is produced from sugar cane juice, which has been solidified.
Among its nutrients we can mention the presence of vitamins (from group 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, panela is known by other names. As for example, it could be the case of panelón, sweet pepa, piloncillo, raspadura, chancaca, sweet bundle or sweet tapa.
What is aguapanela or agua de panela?
As you can imagine, aguapanela -or agua de panela- is a drink resulting from the infusion prepared from 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. What’s more, 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 dash of lemon to the drink, and take it in the same way as a medicinal infusion made with plants and herbs.
But it cannot only be drunk hot. In fact, the most common is to consume it cold and accompanied by ice, so that it becomes a wonderful drink with great cooling power.
How do you prepare aguapanela?
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.
It is basically made by placing pieces of solidified panela in water, which can be hot or cold. Then the liquid is stirred until it has completely dissolved.
Aguapanela recipe: how to make it at home
Hot traditional aguapanela
This time we are going to learn how to make traditional panela water, in the same way that it is made in Colombia, Brazil or Venezuela. Do you dare to elaborate it with us?
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of water
- Panela in pieces (to taste)
How to make panela water:
- Put the water in a saucepan or small pot and heat until it comes to a boil. When it reaches this state, lower the fire.
- When the water stops boiling add the panela in pieces and cook over low heat 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 give it even greater benefits.
Cold traditional aguapanela
If instead of drinking the hot panela water you prefer to drink it cold, then we will explain how to make it. This option is ideal for the hottest days, when you want to cool off.
Ingredients:
- 1 cups of water
- Panela in pieces or grated
Preparation of cold aguapanela:
- 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 see 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 group B, A, C, D and E stands out in particular. 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 panela water is made from the dissolution of panela, which is nothing more than sugar cane juice, it provides a high amount of sucrose, as well as fructose and glucose to a lesser extent.
Therefore, aguapanela is a very energetic drink, whose consumption is not recommended in case of diabetes or by those who are following a weight loss diet.Aguapanela (panela water) is a traditional sweet drink made with panela, which provides many benefits, and is usually made
 is a traditional sweet drink made with panela, which provides many benefits, and is usually made.....){kind=link}