- published: 06 Sep 2010
- views: 5037
Cauim is a traditional alcoholic beverage or beer of the indigenous peoples in Brazil since pre-Columbian times. It is still made today in remote areas throughout Panama and South America. Cauim is made by fermenting manioc (a large starchy root), or maize, sometimes flavored with fruit juices. The Kuna Indians of Panama use plantains.
In Spanish it is called "Chicha de Yuca" or in some places (like Peru) "Masato". The best term in English may be "Manioc Beer". In Kichwa, "Lumu Asua". In Shuar, "Nijiamanch". In Paicoca, "Co'no"
A characteristic feature of the beverage is that the starting material is cooked, chewed, and fermented, so that enzymes present in human saliva can break down the starch into fermentable sugars. (This principle was originally used also for Japanese sake.)
The following description, largely from Jean de Léry's account of his trip to Brazil in the 16th century applies specifically to the Tupinambá natives who lived along the coast of central Brazil. However, it is typical of other tribes throughout Brazil.
Come on
You can feel her coming, coming at you
She, she's staying on you
You know she's coming at you
To resist her seems impossible
You can't do it, no you can't do it, no you can't do it
Hey lady what you say
How about some fun today?
Is it yes? Is it no?
Whatever it is just let me know
Don't fake me out, out
Oh, you make me shout
Alligator woman, you don't care
You ignore my desires, it ain't fair
You just want to tease me and turn me on
I wish you would leave but I don't want to be alone, no
Hey, babe I love you so
You know I don't want to go
Even though you're real laid back
You're dressed in black
And your hair is laid back
Hey lady what you say
How about some fun today?
Is it yes? Is it no?
Whatever it is just let me know
Don't fake me out, out
Oh, you make me shout
Alligator woman, you don't care
You ignore my desires, it ain't fair
You just want to tease me and turn me on
I want you to go but I don't want to be alone, ho
You're a mess, I must confess
You make me hot, with what you've got
Your big behind, it makes me blind
Don't take me gross but you're the most
You're a mess, I must confess
You make me hot, with what you've got
Your big behind, it makes me blind
I must be gross
Aw girl, aw girl
Aw girl, aw girl
Alligator woman, you don't care
You ignore my desires, it ain't fair
You just want to tease me and turn me on
I don't want you to stay but I don't want to be alone, now
You're a mess, I must confess
You make me hot, with what you've got
Your big behind, it makes me blind
Don't take me gross but you're the most
You're a mess, I must confess
You make me hot, with what you've got
Your big behind, it makes me blind