This is a drink with a story, first recorded at the end of the 19th century by Norwegian explorer and ethnographer Carl Lumholtz, who was renowned for his meticulous fieldwork mainly in parts of Australia and Mexico. When his journey took him to America, he encountered the unusual Tarahumara tribe on the US-Mexico border, who had until then lived very isolated from the outside world. Lumholtz lived with them for a year and immediately noticed their endurance. They could effortlessly run over 100 kilometers, reached old age, and generally had excellent health. All these things were, of course, further reasons for the famous explorer to describe their life habits in such detail and at length.

Among other things, he also came across the iskiate drink, about which he wrote that it gives a person strength, incredible energy, improves mood, and that illnesses literally disappear within minutes.

Unfortunately, knowledge of this miraculous drink soon faded and was almost lost in oblivion, until, years later, investigative journalist Christopher McDougall appeared with one of his lectures, reviving the mystery of the Tarahumara tribe. He even wrote a book about them titled Born to Run, which soon became a major bestseller. Also because of the iskiate drink, which McDougall modernized and called chia fresca or “devil chia”.

The main ingredient of this drink is fermented chia seeds.

How can you prepare and try this drink at home?

Pour a liter of cooled green tea (without sugar or other additives) into a glass pitcher. Add 4 to 8 tablespoons of chia seeds (depending on how strong you want the drink). Cover with gauze and let it stand for 2 days in a dark, cool place so the seeds ferment. Then you can store the drink in the refrigerator, and drink it strained, 1 to 2 deciliters a day, adding the juice of freshly squeezed half a lemon each time.

If you don’t like the taste, you can add a spoonful of honey.

Today we know that devil chia will help with weight loss, rejuvenate the skin, improve hydration, boost your immune system and fill you with energy. Since it’s made from completely natural ingredients, it’s definitely worth trying.