Horchata, or orxata, is a name given to various beverages, which are generally plant based, but sometimes contain animal milk. In Spain, it is made with soaked, ground, and sweetened tiger nuts. In some parts of the Americas, the base is jicaro, melon or sesame seeds, or white rice, along with other spices. Different varieties can be served hot or cold, and may be used as a flavor in other beverages, such as frappé coffee.
A glass of horchata de chufa with some fartons in Valencia
Traditional Valencian fridge horchatera
Two large jars of aguas frescas in a Seattle taquería. On the left is a jar of jamaica, and on the right is a jar of horchata. Restaurant employees serve the drinks by ladling them from the jars into glasses.
Hot horchata in Mexico
Cyperus esculentus is a species of plant in the sedge family widespread across much of the world. It is found in most of the Eastern Hemisphere, including Southern Europe, Africa and Madagascar, as well as the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. C. esculentus is cultivated for its edible tubers, called earth almonds or tiger nuts, as a snack food and for the preparation of horchata de chufa, a sweet, milk-like beverage.
Cyperus esculentus
Young plant with tuber
Cultivation and growing of the xufa in the Valencian Community, file by Valencian Museum of Ethnology
The seed head of a Cyperus esculentus plant
