Pulque, an available traditional Mexican fermented beverage, has deep ethnographic and cultural significance. It was originally consumed by pre-Columbian civilizations, including the
Teotihuacanos,
Mexicas,
Otomies,
Zapotecas,
Mixtecas, and
Maya. It was revered as a sacred drink
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Pulque, an available traditional Mexican fermented beverage, has deep ethnographic and cultural significance. It was originally consumed by pre-Columbian civilizations, including the
Teotihuacanos,
Mexicas,
Otomies,
Zapotecas,
Mixtecas, and
Maya. It was revered as a sacred drink with both ceremonial and medicinal uses, often reserved for elites and priests. Its production is based on the ancestral extraction and fermentation of
aguamiel, a sweet sap obtained from agave plants. While advances in food technology have occurred, traditional techniques for obtaining and fermenting
aguamiel remain prevalent, especially in rural communities, reflecting the resilience of indigenous knowledge systems. Recent interest in
pulque has focused on its nutritional content and potential health benefits when consumed in moderation, though risks related to excessive intake remain a concern. Moreover, cultural initiatives aim to revitalize indigenous heritage through gastronomic promotion, tourism routes, and festive traditions. This study explores
pulque’s production processes, its cultural symbolism, and its evolving role within Mexican society, suggesting that its survival reflects both continuity and adaptation in the face of modernity. This paper is also presented as a narrative integrative review to explore the biocultural significance of
pulque across the anthropological, historical, biochemical, and public-health domains.
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