CYPRUS’S ALMOND DRINK SOUMADA

A TRADITIONAL CYPRIOT DRINK

ORIGINALLY MADE BY CYPRIOT MONKS

Soumada is a traditional Cypriot drink that is milky white in appearance and has been revered on the island for centuries. One of the reasons why the drink holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Cyprus is that it is enjoyed all year round, taken with ice in the summer or served piping hot during the winter. Soumada has a deep-rooted history and is made from fresh almonds that are soaked in water for several days. In ages gone by, Cypriot monks in monasteries, who believed that almonds had special healing properties, constantly made the drink, even though almonds during this time were a rare prized commodity. The product was so prized that King Peter the 1st of Cyprus took a barrel of Soumada with him and offered it to King Casimir the 3rd of Poland as a special gift at the Congress of Krakow in 1364. Over time, the drink became popular as a non-alcoholic beverage amongst the general population of Cyprus and it is still readily served all over the island today.

SOFTENED FRESH ALMONDS

Today the drink is manufactured using modern industry, but the traditional process of preparing the drink was a difficult, labour-intensive task that required both patience and skill. As today, the almonds once harvested, were soaked, ground, and mixed with sugar and water to the correct proportions in order to achieve the perfect balance of flavours. This preparation removes the dark outer skin of the almond revealing the white inner nut and this process has been passed down through the generations in Cyprus, ensuring that the drink maintained its authentic taste and quality.

A SUGAR & WATER SOLUTION

Once adequately softened and the outer skins of the almonds are removed, they are then ground into a fine paste, which is then mixed with a sugar and water solution. This creates a full bodied, sweet drink that is both refreshing and satisfying. The drink’s unique flavour is similar to Italian Amaretto, which is also made from almonds, but Soumada is non-alcoholic and more refined with a richer texture and smoother taste. The almond content gives the drink a fresh nutty taste, which complements the sweetness from the sugar well.

HEALTH BENEFITS

The unique flavour of Soumada is complimented by additional health benefits that make it a popular beverage. Although the drink has high sugar content, it helps maintain good health and overall well-being by boosting the immune system. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, which include vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium. The drink is also rich in fibre, healthy fats, and proteins, which contribute to the reduction of hunger and helps lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease. In some regions of Cyprus, Soumada is still used as a traditional remedy for digestive issues, although this is still up for debate.

A RARE EXPORT

Soumada has slowly gained popularity beyond the borders of Cyprus and can now be found in specialty stores and online retailers around the world. This increased demand for Soumada has introduced people from other countries to the unique flavour of this beloved Cypriot drink.