Buzz
When in Sapa, travelers are not only immersed in mountainous forests and European winter-like coldness but also treated to the intoxicating flavors of infused liquors that make one forget the way back. Especially, these liquors can be indulged in by...
1. Apple Cat Liquor Infusion - Sapa's Renowned Specialty
We can purchase fresh or dried cat apples in Sapa to infuse liquor at home.
The mention of Sapa's specialty infused liquor brings to mind the first name: cat apple.
Cat apples, also known as sơn tra, are widely popular in the Northwest mountainous region, often used by local villagers for liquor infusion. Cat apples offer a variety of flavors, blending sour, sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes to create an exquisite liquor. Many are enchanted by the taste of cat apple liquor and if you enjoy it, why not try infusing it at home? The pleasure of 'playing with liquor' is not just in tasting but also in creating delicious liquor with your own hands.
Both fresh and dried cat apples can be used for liquor infusion, allowing you to choose according to your preference.
2. Tả Van Plum Liquor Infusion
The deep red Tả Van plums will create visually stunning liquor infusions.
Tả Van plums, also known as blood plums, have a distinctive sweet and sour taste, making them ideal for fermentation into liquor.
Tả Van plums are usually harvested in June for the best quality liquor. It's best to pay attention to this time to purchase. After soaking for about half a year, the plums will gradually shrink, releasing their juice and fermenting into liquor. The longer the fermentation, the better the liquor. After about 6 months, taste the liquor. By then, the plum liquor will turn a beautiful dark red-brown color. This essence can be diluted with water to create fruit liquor, with a light alcohol content suitable for female palates. For male preferences, mix with white liquor, and it will immediately become a strong liquor.
If the people of Sapa encounter tourists asking to buy Tả Van plums for liquor infusion, they will know that they are dealing with a connoisseur of liquor or at least someone who understands the value of this special fruit and liquor.
3. Sâu chít – Famous Sapa Specialty Liquor Infusion
“Bạch trùng thảo” liquor infusion in Sapa
Traditional Chinese Medicine-infused liquors are often used by health-conscious individuals due to their delicious taste and positive health effects. In Sapa, there is also such a specialty liquor infusion, known as sâu chít or Vietnamese Cordyceps. Sâu chít is widely recognized as Vietnamese Cordyceps. The name sâu chít originates from the fact that locals often find it inside the trunk of the chít tree (a wild grass species in the Northwest mountains).
When infused, this type of worm produces a cloudy yellow liquor with a very thin layer of foam floating on top. The special feature of sâu chít liquor is that no matter how much you drink, you will not get a headache like with other types of liquor.
Numerous studies have indicated that sâu chít, a type of insect, is beneficial for health. Its most prominent function is to support cancer treatment and aid in the recovery of cancer patients after radiation therapy. This creature is non-toxic, so it is used regularly and to make medicinal liquor.
Given the reasons above, it's enough for you to purchase sâu chít for liquor infusion. This is truly a specialty worth buying when traveling to Sapa.
Conclusion
Amidst the cold winter weather, you don't necessarily need to go to Sapa to enjoy the finest specialty liquors. The pleasure of liquor infusion is sometimes even more enticing than simply enjoying liquor. When you personally craft liquor infusions from Sapa's specialties, the taste is undoubtedly exponentially better!
Posted by: Diệu Hậu Dương Trần
Keywords: Sapa's Specialty Liquor Infusion, A Journey to Forget the Way Back
