Drying peaches on farm in rural Chuquisaca Bolivia

by James Brunker

Title

Drying peaches on farm in rural Chuquisaca Bolivia

Artist

James Brunker

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

Peaches drying in the sun on a rustic rack made of bamboo poles near Camargo in southern Bolivia. Peaches are widely grown in the inter-Andean valleys of central and southern Bolivia, where they are an important crop. These regions generally have a dry and sunny climate and the higher altitudes mean that in the winter months temperatures drop enough to provide the chilling requirement to encourage the peach trees to blossom in the spring. These partially peeled peaches are being dried to make mocochinchi, which is the Quechua word for dried peach and also a popular Bolivian soft drink. The drying process takes a week or so and the dried peaches can be stored for many months. To make the drink they are rehydrated by soaking in water overnight then boiled with sugar (or honey) and cinnamon. The drink is served cold and very refreshing, the peaches are eaten when you have finished!

Photograph © James Brunker. Reproduction, publication, transmission or use in any form without written permission prohibited.

Uploaded

September 27th, 2023

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