Suntava Purple Corn™ Chicha Morada

Ingredients

1 pound Suntava Purple Corn™ kernels (dry)

1 gallon water
1 stick cinnamon
6 whole cloves
1/2 cup white sugar
3 green-skinned apples
4 limes
1 pineapple

Yield: 8 2-cup servings

1. Rinse the purple corn kernels under the faucet to remove any dust or foreign matter. Place the kernels in a large pot together with the water, cinnamon, cloves and pineapple rind. Put the pot over high heat on the stove; once the water reaches the boiling point, reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow this to boil for about 50 minutes.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool down until safe to handle. Strain the liquid through a fine strainer into a pitcher. Add the sugar to the liquid and stir until it is completely dissolved. Taste, adding more sugar if desired, though this beverage is most refreshing when it is not overly sweet.
3. Chill the beverage for at least 4 hours before serving.
4. Right before serving, chop the apples and pineapple into small cubes and juice the limes. Add diced fruit and lime juice to the chicha in the pitcher and stir. Serve as-is or over ice, with a straw and a long spoon (for eating the fruit), if desired. Store any leftover chicha morada in the refrigerator.