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Horchata (; ), or orxata (), is a name given to various beverages that are generally plant-based but sometimes contain milk. In Spain, it is made with soaked, ground, and sweetened tiger nuts. In Mexico, it is made with rice, cinnamon and other ingredients and it is well known as a type of Mexican agua fresca.
From Spain, the concept of horchata was brought to Americas. Drinks called agua de horchata or simply horchata came to be made with white rice and cinnamon instead of tiger nuts. Sometimes these drinks had vanilla added, or were served adorned with fruit. Similarly, flavored plant-based beverages are sold in various parts of the world as varieties of horchata or kunnu.
The or Chufa horchata is made with dried and sweetened tiger nuts ( Cyperus esculentus). This form of horchata is now properly called orxata de xufa.
It remains popular in Spain, where a regulating council exists to ensure the quality and traceability of the product in relation to the designation of origin.
The majority of the Spanish tiger nut crop is utilised in the production of horchata de chufa. Alboraya is the most important production centre. In total, sixteen Valencian municipalities grow tiger nuts protected by the quality seal, the only one that guarantees its Valencian origin, which in aggregate covered around 485 hectares of tiger nut fields, with an approximate annual production of 8,000 tonnes, which is normally all sold by the time it is harvested.
In rare instances, various forms of aflatoxin could be present in horchata de chufa.
It is the most common variety of horchata in Mexico. In the United States, it is popular in taquerías and Mexican ice cream shops.Emeril Lagasse, Horchata Recipe : Food Network Taste of Mexico, 2007. Horchata Recipe & Video - Martha Stewart. Refreshing Rice Drink: Horchata de Arroz by Karen Hursh Graber 2003 (MexConnect).
In Alvarado, horchata de arroz is scented with flowers of the Aztec marigold (cempasúchil or Tagetes erecta).
The urban and rural populaces who consume this drink, notably in the Loja province, report improved overall well-being and cognitive benefits. They also believe that this herbal infusion promotes a healthy digestive tract, improves focus and memory, and acts as an hepatic anti-inflammatory and a diuretic. There is valuable scientific evidence for the purported health benefits of each of these various ingredients—on their own and combined—including counteracting genotoxicity in the body, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. (2026). 9781003288503 ISBN 9781003288503
In Nicaragua, it is also made with semilla de jicaro and rice as a base; these ingredients are toasted or dry-roasted, then ground into a fine powder. The powder is then mixed with water or milk, topped with ground cinnamon and, finally, sugar. Cocoa beans are sometimes added to the horchata, also toasted and ground with the base.
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