What Is Pinole?
Pinole (also sometimes referred to as Pinol or Pinolillo, ) is a cereal (similar to oatmeal or Cream of Wheat) or drink typically made from ground toasted corn and cocoa, which is then mixed with hot or cold water or milk. Although significant variations exist among different countries, Pinole is most frequently made and consumed in Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua, where it is considered the national drink.
Pinole (also sometimes referred to as Pinol or Pinolillo, ) is a cereal (similar to oatmeal or Cream of Wheat) or drink typically made from ground toasted corn and cocoa, which is then mixed with hot or cold water or milk. Although significant variations exist among different countries, Pinole is most frequently made and consumed in Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua, where it is considered the national drink.
History of Pinole
Pinole originated with the ancient Aztec Indians, who then spread it through Mesoamerica. The Aztecs used Pinole as one of their primary caloric sources for hundreds of years, as they moved throughout the Americas. In several documented cases, native Indians shared Pinole with stranded, starving Spanish conquistadors, who relied on the food to survive until they found other sources of food.
The Tarahumara, a Native American tribe based in northwestern Mexico, also relied on Pinole as one of their primary food staples. The Tarahumara are known as "the running people" because they are renowned for their long distance running ability. With widely dispersed settlements, they developed a tradition of running up to 200 miles (320 km) in one session, over a period of two days, through their homeland of rough canyon country for inter-village communication and transportation, as well as to hunt. During these runs, the Tarahumara carry only Pinole with them for sustenance. Modem Tarahumara people are still known to run 50 or 100 miles at a time. Their seemingly superhuman endurance abilities, as well as uncanny health and immunity to disease, are credited to a diet based on Pinole and chia seeds.
Pinole originated with the ancient Aztec Indians, who then spread it through Mesoamerica. The Aztecs used Pinole as one of their primary caloric sources for hundreds of years, as they moved throughout the Americas. In several documented cases, native Indians shared Pinole with stranded, starving Spanish conquistadors, who relied on the food to survive until they found other sources of food.
The Tarahumara, a Native American tribe based in northwestern Mexico, also relied on Pinole as one of their primary food staples. The Tarahumara are known as "the running people" because they are renowned for their long distance running ability. With widely dispersed settlements, they developed a tradition of running up to 200 miles (320 km) in one session, over a period of two days, through their homeland of rough canyon country for inter-village communication and transportation, as well as to hunt. During these runs, the Tarahumara carry only Pinole with them for sustenance. Modem Tarahumara people are still known to run 50 or 100 miles at a time. Their seemingly superhuman endurance abilities, as well as uncanny health and immunity to disease, are credited to a diet based on Pinole and chia seeds.
What Are the Benefits of Pinole?
Pinole is a superfood because of its high level of protein, vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, and iron. Many of the health benefits of Pinole come from its use of cacao, or raw chocolate, which is packed with essential vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and Pantothenic acid) and antioxidants. Although Pinole is relatively high in calories, with 361 per 3.5 ounce serving, it contains only 4 grams of fat and can be an ideal food source for athletes and weight loss. In addition to providing nutrients, it fills and satisfies hunger. As a result, Pinole is the ideal food for everybody from ultra marathon runners to athletes to busy people on the go.
Pinole is a superfood because of its high level of protein, vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, and iron. Many of the health benefits of Pinole come from its use of cacao, or raw chocolate, which is packed with essential vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and Pantothenic acid) and antioxidants. Although Pinole is relatively high in calories, with 361 per 3.5 ounce serving, it contains only 4 grams of fat and can be an ideal food source for athletes and weight loss. In addition to providing nutrients, it fills and satisfies hunger. As a result, Pinole is the ideal food for everybody from ultra marathon runners to athletes to busy people on the go.
What Makes Don Claudio's Pinole Unique?
Pinole can be made with several ingredients and in multiple ways. The most common version available today, and most prevalent in Mexico and the United States, utilizes machine grinders that create a fine cornmeal that is then mixed with water to create a drink, which can be either very sweet or bitter. Occasionally, herbs and flavorings are added to the Pinole, include ground mustard seeds, ground chia seeds, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, achiote, and other grasses and annual herbs.
Don Claudio's Pinole is made by hand, the traditional way (using a mortar and pestle), which results in a coarser, more nutrient-packed powder. As a result, it is the most ideal formulation to use as an energy supplement or cereal, the consistency of which matches that of Cream of Wheat. Don Claudio's Pinole is the only commercially available Pinole that utilizes this "homemade" process. Additionally, Don Claudio adds only 100% pure cocoa, which keeps the Pinole from being too sweet or bitter.
Pinole can be made with several ingredients and in multiple ways. The most common version available today, and most prevalent in Mexico and the United States, utilizes machine grinders that create a fine cornmeal that is then mixed with water to create a drink, which can be either very sweet or bitter. Occasionally, herbs and flavorings are added to the Pinole, include ground mustard seeds, ground chia seeds, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, achiote, and other grasses and annual herbs.
Don Claudio's Pinole is made by hand, the traditional way (using a mortar and pestle), which results in a coarser, more nutrient-packed powder. As a result, it is the most ideal formulation to use as an energy supplement or cereal, the consistency of which matches that of Cream of Wheat. Don Claudio's Pinole is the only commercially available Pinole that utilizes this "homemade" process. Additionally, Don Claudio adds only 100% pure cocoa, which keeps the Pinole from being too sweet or bitter.
Don Claudio's & Our Commitment to Supporting Local Communities
Growing up, my mother used to feed me and my sister Pinole for breakfast when we were lucky, as it was a tastier alternative to the standard meal of cereal, Cream of Wheat, or oatmeal. To get it, though, we would have to travel to her native Honduras, where we would scour the central market or purchase small bags from women who made and sold Pinole from their homes along the road. Enjoying Pinole was not only a treat, it was also an adventure, a cultural experience, and a way to support local families who depended on Pinole as one of their only sources of income. Don Claudio's is proud to be able to continue that tradition by sourcing only the finest ingredients and products directly from individual artisans - mainly women - in Central America whose livelihood depends on Pinole. Additionally, a portion of the profits from every bag sold goes to The Ochoa Family Foundation, which supports children living in poverty and native cultures in Latin America.
Growing up, my mother used to feed me and my sister Pinole for breakfast when we were lucky, as it was a tastier alternative to the standard meal of cereal, Cream of Wheat, or oatmeal. To get it, though, we would have to travel to her native Honduras, where we would scour the central market or purchase small bags from women who made and sold Pinole from their homes along the road. Enjoying Pinole was not only a treat, it was also an adventure, a cultural experience, and a way to support local families who depended on Pinole as one of their only sources of income. Don Claudio's is proud to be able to continue that tradition by sourcing only the finest ingredients and products directly from individual artisans - mainly women - in Central America whose livelihood depends on Pinole. Additionally, a portion of the profits from every bag sold goes to The Ochoa Family Foundation, which supports children living in poverty and native cultures in Latin America.