It is not surprising that Valencia is one of the preferred destinations travellers from all over the world for its vibrant mix of history, culture and gastronomy. Among the wide range of culinary offerings capable of captivating the most demanding foodies, horchata stands out as an essential summer drink. Sweet and refreshing, its unique and surprising taste encapsulates the essence of the region's culinary tradition. From Valencia&Go We reveal the secrets of this unparalleled beverage that children and adults alike love - read on!
Legend has it that when James I tasted this drink for the first time, surprised by its flavour, he exclaimed «Açò és or, xata», i.e. «This is gold, chata». This gave rise to the play on words between «or» and «xata», leading to the word «orxata»: horchata in the Valencian language. Myth or reality, there is evidence that it was already being consumed in ancient Egypt and Persian and Arabic texts have been found, dating from around 2000 BC, which mention its use as a medicinal concoction for its digestive benefits. Its arrival in Spain was marked by the Arab invasion, which saw the introduction of the tiger nut and its cultivation methods to the peninsula. With this, the municipality of Alboraya became the main producer of this tuber and is considered the «cradle of horchata» to this day.
Horchata from Valencia is distinguished by its creamy texture and sweet taste. Unlike other variants such as the rice-based horchatas in Mexico and Central America, the Valencian horchata offers a unique aroma that is intrinsically linked to its local origin and the agricultural practices of the region. Horchata is not simply a drink, it is a cultural symbol deeply integrated into the daily life and festivities of the region.
The first step in the production of horchata is the selection and soaking of the tigernut, a tuber that comes from the hazelnut sedge plant. They are then crushed to form a paste, which is pressed and sieved to obtain a homogenous liquid. Water and sugar are then added. The resulting mixture is thoroughly filtered to produce a smooth, milky liquid. Finally, the drink is cooled. This artisanal method involves a meticulous process that preserves the natural flavours and nutritional benefits of the tigernut while guaranteeing its quality.
Bringing the taste of Valencia to your own kitchen is simpler than it sounds. With the right ingredients and kitchen accessories, you can enjoy this nutritious and lactose-free drink suitable for everyone. Nowadays it is easy to get your hands on tigernuts through specialised online shops. Even if you live outside Spain, tigernuts can be found in food shops that supply genuine Spanish products.
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It is clear that a visit to Valencia is incomplete without enjoying horchata, which is not only a delight for the senses, but also a direct connection to the cultural heritage of the region. If we've managed to convince you to explore Valencia through its flavours, at Valencia&Go we offer excursions and gastronomic tours with whom you can get to know our culinary tradition in depth. Our accredited local guides will take you on an enriching journey for an authentic Valencian experience.
