Guarana: another brazilian passion

What is guarana about? As far as we're concerned, it's mostly about Brazilian soda, and its flavor. Although we won't deny that taking guarana has some effects similar to those you can expect after taking caffeine, it is the exotic flavor that makes guarana sodas so interesting. The best brands deliver a fruity taste, aren't overloaded with sugar, and have a pleasant aftertaste.

Guarana or Guaraná (pronounced gwa-ra-'naa), is a shrub or small tree in the Sapindaceae, native to Venezuela and northern Brazil, known for the high stimulant content of the fruit. The name 'Guaraná' comes from the Guarani tribe that lives in Brazil. Guaraná plays a very important role in their culture, as this plant is believed to be magical, a cure for bowel complaints and a way to regain strength. They also tell the myth of a 'Divine Child', that was killed by a serpent and whose eyes gave birth to this plant.

Uses
The Guaraná plant contains caffeine (though sometimes called guaranine), and so acts as a stimulant. Like many caffeine-containing plants, it is used for drinks; a kind of carbonated soft drink that is made from the Guaraná fruit is known as "Guaraná". Numerous different brands of Guarana are available, differing greatly in flavour, some of them tasting nothing like natural Guarana fruit. Guarana soft drinks are particularly popular in Brazil, where sales are second only to cola drinks. They are typically fizzy and sweet, with a very fruity aftertaste. Most Guaraná is produced in Brazil and consumed either in Brazil or in nearby countries, such as Paraguay. Major brands in Brazil include Guaraná Antarctica and Guaraná Brahma from AmBev, Kuat from The Coca-Cola Company, besides local producers. There are a number of other energy drinks containing Guaraná available worldwide, including Bawls, Rockstar, AMP, V, SoBe, Guaraná Power, MDX, and also Vores Øl, a beer. Some people see guarana as an aphrodisiac.

Guarana sodas are becoming more popular outside Brazil. Until recently, there were just a few small companies around the globe importing original Brazilian guarana drinks, only to sell them to homesick Brazilians. This will change, as PepsiCo started marketing 'Guarana Antarctica' soda (the most famous Brazilian brand) worldwide. The first step is already taken: Guarana Antarctica is now available in Portugal and Spain.

posted by nscafuro @ 8:00 AM