Southern Africa · Drink
Mageu (Fermented Maize Beverage)
A smooth, refreshing non-alcoholic fermented maize drink with a pleasantly sharp lactic tang and mild sweetness.
The story
Mageu (spelled mahewu in Northern Sotho and Nguni dialects) is a staple fermented energy drink consumed throughout Southern Africa by agricultural and industrial labourers for sustained vigour. Traditionally brewed in large clay vessels, it relies on lactic acid fermentation rather than alcoholic yeast fermentation. A fascinating technical detail is the addition of plain wheat flour to the cooled porridge: the flour introduces both active amylase enzymes to break down starches and wild lactobacilli to initiate rapid, clean souring.
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