Nước Mía – Tasty Drink You’ll Love At First Sight

Nước Mía or Sugarcane Juice: Overview

When you first visit Vietnam, you might be curious about the carts selling a special type of beverage that many locals flock to. That is sugarcane juice – a favored drink among the Vietnamese, with its affordable price and naturally sweet and refreshing taste. It is especially suitable for quenching thirst in the scorching weather of Ho Chi Minh City, where the temperature remains hot throughout the year.

Sugarcane juice is a simple beverage made from just one ingredient – sugarcane, a plant cultivated in various regions of Vietnam. After harvesting fresh sugarcane, sellers clean the outer peel and chop it into small sections. These sections are then fed into a specialized machine to extract the juice.

The freshly squeezed sugarcane juice can be enjoyed immediately over ice, creating a delightful beverage. Alternatively, many locals like to enhance the flavor by adding other fruit ingredients such as persimmons, lime, pineapple, kiwi, etc.

Various Versions of Nước Mía

Currently, sugarcane juice not only comes in traditional varieties but has also been transformed into many new and unique versions.

This particular variation of sugarcane juice is highly favored by the youth as it comes with various toppings such as fresh coconut, dried coconut, salted roasted peanuts, and especially the black pearls with their characteristic chewiness. Enjoying chilled sugarcane juice with a variety of toppings, especially the black pearl version, is a must-try experience.

Fruit-infused sugarcane juice is another interesting variation. While sugarcane juice already carries its own aroma and flavor, adding a hint of sweet and sour fruit enhances its allure. Popular fruit-infused sugarcane juice options include guava, salted lime, durian, jackfruit, and even seaweed jelly as a delightful topping.

Next up is the irresistibly appealing durian sugarcane juice. The sweet and harmonious taste of sugarcane blends with the rich, fragrant aroma of durian, creating a unique and familiar flavor. Durian is blended with sugarcane to enhance the taste and harmony of the drink, and visitors can also add various toppings such as jackfruit and peanuts, all at an affordable price ranging from 10,000 to 18,000 VND.

Coconut milk-infused sugarcane juice may sound unrelated, but it turns out to be a perfect match. Coconut milk is poured directly into sugarcane juice and mixed thoroughly, combining the distinct creaminess of coconut milk with the sweet and refreshing coolness of sugarcane juice, creating a masterpiece.

Health Benefits of Nước Mía

Vietnamese Sugarcane juice transcends its role as a mere thirst-quenching beverage, evolving into a reservoir of health-enhancing elements that hold the potential to remarkably influence your overall well-being. Brimming with essential constituents ranging from natural sugars, calcium, chromium, zinc, and a consortium of vital vitamins (including A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C), its composition rivals that of a treasure trove laden with nourishing benefits. Furthermore, this liquid gem houses an assortment of plant-derived compounds, antioxidants, proteins, and a diverse range of dietary fibers, all coalescing to provide unwavering support to your body’s intricate mechanisms.

Sugarcane Juice and the Forbidden Stories

In Vietnamese culture, there has always been a belief in the presence of “ancestor” who protect various fields, helping people in their businesses and ensuring smooth work. The Entertainment industry is no exception; it also has its craft ancestor who watches over artists such as actors, singers, musicians, directors, and scriptwriters.

Every year, artists commemorate their craft ancestors on a special day, remembering those who paved the way or made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Artists hold a deep respect for their craft ancestors, avoiding actions that may offend them and result in “disciplinary actions”. Among these, it is widely rumored among artists not to drink sugarcane juice before going on stage or during rehearsals for a project to prevent any unfortunate incidents.

Many stories suggest that the sugarcane plant is the craft ancestor’s cane, so drinking sugarcane juice may anger him and disrupt the performance.

Some also believe that the craft ancestor enjoys sugarcane juice, so artists drinking it might make him crave it, leading to distractions and mishaps on stage or during performances.

There are numerous strange stories related to sugarcane juice and its subsequent effects, such as artists forgetting their lines, stage props getting damaged, sound malfunctions, and irritated audiences. Hence, Vietnamese artists strictly avoid sugarcane juice for these reasons.

Exercise Caution: Suitability for Specific Groups

While vietnamese sugarcane juice offers a range of benefits, it’s not universally suitable for everyone at all times:

• Sensitive Digestion: If you have a sensitive stomach that easily gets uncomfortable, try consuming sugarcane juice in small amounts. Its cooling effect and higher sugar content can occasionally lead to sensitivity.
• Medications: Individuals on medication, especially those affecting blood parameters or overall health, should consult a medical professional before adding sugarcane juice to their routine. Prioritizing safety is crucial.
• Diabetes Management: For those managing diabetes, approaching sugarcane juice consumption with caution is wise. It holds potential benefits, yet excessive intake might lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
• Weight Management: While sugarcane juice might tempt individuals aiming for weight loss, it’s important to remember its calorie content. Moderation is essential to avoid excessive calorie intake.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women can enjoy sugarcane juice, but it’s best to do so in moderation. Excessive consumption could increase the risk of infections or gestational diabetes. Finding a balance is important.

The diverse benefits of sugarcane juice unveil a tapestry of healthful wonders, from energy revitalization to immune support. While sipping on this natural elixir, remember to exercise moderation and make mindful choices for a healthier life. As you explore the world of well-being, why not embark on a cultural journey as well? Dive into Vietnamese culture and language with Vietnamese Language Studies (VLS) courses. Begin your journey to vitality and cultural enrichment today by exploring the courses at VLS!