Coca tea is simple. It's leaves of the coca plants in hot water. Locals drink it so often, it's more than Vancouverites drinking coffee.
What's interesting about these little green innocent looking leaves is that it contains alkaloids, which is the source of making cocaine. But don't worry, the leaves contain a very minimal amount of alkaloids so drinking the tea is okay.
Coca tea is the problem solver in the Andes.You have altitude sickness? Drink coca. You got a little headache? Drink coca. You're cold at night? Drink coca. You feeling a bit tired? Drink coca. You're sleepy so you're backing out a party night? DRINK COCA. You feeling hungover? DRINK MORE COCA!
This is the first thing I learnt arriving at Cusco. Step in the hostel, help yourself to the stash of coca leaves, bucket of sugar and unlimited hot water by the courtyard 24-7. I continued doing this 4-6 times a day, when heading out, coming back, and relaxing in the yard. It's a rough drink with a rough taste, but hey, it's the Andes.
Looks great.^^
ReplyDeletethank you! :)
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