1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Pulque

PULQUE, or Pulque Fuerte, the national beverage of the Mexican natives. It is prepared by fermenting the juice of a number of species of the agave (agave potatorum, americana, &c.). The cultivation of the agave for purposes of pulque manufacture constitutes a considerable local industry, the capital invested running into several millions sterling. The juice obtained by tapping the agave is termed aguamiel. A quantity of this is allowed to ferment naturally for about ten days, and the product so obtained is termed madre pulque (mother of pulque). A small quantity of this is added to fresh aguamiel, and thereby a rapid fermentation is induced, the pulque being ready for consumption within a day or two. It has a somewhat heavy flavour, resembling sour milk, but it is much esteemed by the natives on account of its cooling, and according to them wholesome and nutritious, properties.