Kasiri

What is Kasiri?

Kasiri is a homemade alcoholic drink made from the root of the cassava plant. The process starts by grating cassava, mixing it with water, and pressing it to extract juice. In some regions, the cassava is chewed and spat out, letting the enzymes in saliva break down starch into sugar. The juice is then left to ferment, producing a mildly alcoholic beverage. The drink is cloudy and can have a slightly sour taste, reflecting the fermentation process.

Where does Kasiri come from?

Kasiri comes from the Amerindian peoples of northern South America, especially in Suriname, Venezuela, and Guyana. It is a longstanding part of local traditions, with each community having its own way of preparing it. The method of using saliva to start fermentation is an ancient practice, also found in other indigenous drinks. The drink is closely tied to the use of cassava, a staple crop in the region.

How is Kasiri made?

To make kasiri, cassava roots are first grated and mixed with water. The mixture is pressed, often using a woven cylindrical basket, to separate the juice. In Suriname and Brazil, the grated cassava may be chewed and spat out to add saliva, which helps turn starch into sugar. The juice is then left to ferment naturally, resulting in an alcoholic drink. Sometimes, the juice is boiled down to make a thick syrup called kasripo or cassareep, but this is not the same as kasiri.

How and when is Kasiri eaten?

Kasiri is usually made and consumed within Amerindian communities, often as a part of daily life. It is shared among family and friends, sometimes during gatherings or communal events. The drink is not tied to a specific meal or festival, and is enjoyed as a local beverage. The process of making and drinking kasiri is often social, with people participating in its preparation.

Kinds of Kasiri

There are differences in how kasiri is made across regions. In Suriname and Brazil, the use of chewing to add saliva is common, while in other areas the cassava may just be grated and pressed. The resulting drink can vary in strength and flavor depending on the length of fermentation and the method used. The syrup called kasripo or cassareep is a byproduct, used for flavoring rather than drinking.

What Kasiri means

Kasiri is more than just a drink; it is part of the cultural heritage of Amerindian groups in northern South America. The preparation process is often a communal activity, reflecting traditional knowledge and social bonds. The drink is not widely commercialized and remains a symbol of indigenous identity and resourcefulness, especially in rural areas.

Questions people ask about Kasiri

Good reading and sources

• BBC NEWS | AmericasBBC, Article

• Kasiri on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data