Hierbas de Mallorca and aniseed liqueur: why they change colour when water is added
Anyone who has tried Hierbas de Mallorca or a glass of aniseed liqueur with water will have noticed how the drink changes appearance and becomes cloudy or milky. This phenomenon, popularly known as ‘la paloma’, has a very curious explanation. Today we’ll be discussing this topic.
What is the ‘paloma’ in aniseed liqueur?
This clouding effect sometimes creates shapes and a colour similar to that of a white dove. Hence this rather peculiar name, which has even given rise to the trade name for some aniseed-flavoured drinks.
Why does aniseed liqueur turn white?
Many people attribute this phenomenon to limescale, but the explanation is quite different. Certain plants, such as fennel, and drinks, such as aniseed liqueur, contain an organic compound called anethole (known as aniseed oil). Anethole is responsible for this reaction, as it is soluble in alcohol but not in water at temperatures below 17°C. So, when cold water is poured into a glass of aniseed liqueur, the anethole breaks down into tiny droplets, giving the liqueur a milky appearance.
Hierbas de Mallorca and aniseed
Hierbas de Mallorca also contains aniseed and therefore exhibits this same effect. However, the blend of numerous aromatic plants gives the drink a cloudy appearance, but with a greenish tinge.
Hierbas de Mallorca, a traditional Mediterranean drink
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a plant found throughout the regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea and has been cultivated in this area for at least 3,000 years. Aniseed is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in many countries to make traditional drinks. These include Ouzo in Greece, Sambuca in Italy, Pastis in France and Raki in Turkey. And, of course, Hierbas de Mallorca.
Digestive properties and folk wisdom
Folk wisdom, accumulated over hundreds of years, attributes a whole range of properties and health benefits to aniseed and drinks containing it. For example:
• Helps prevent intestinal and muscular contractions and their consequence (intestinal pain)
• Reduces gas formation in the digestive tract
• Reduces the risk of infection
• Acts as an expectorant
• Aids digestion
• Relieves phlegm production
• Stimulates the production of breast milk…
So, now, when you enjoy a good glass of aniseed liqueur, or an aniseed-flavoured drink such as Hierbas de Mallorca, as well as savouring its pleasant flavour and refreshing effect, you’ll know exactly why it does you so much good!
Hierbas de Mallorca is part of that ancient Mediterranean tradition of liqueurs made from aromatic plants.
If you’d like to discover its authentic flavour, you can find it in our online shop alongside other traditional spirits from the island.
Would you like to taste the liquor called Hierbas de Mallorca? follow the link to reach our online-shop: Hierbas de Mallorca semi-sweet
