San Pedro Cactus PreparationIndigenous tribes from Peru and Ecuador use the San Pedro cactus to make a *refreshing* beverage they call Chimora, it is actually the worst tasting thing I have ever tried, but it definitely refreshes the soul. Here is the San Pedro preparation I have found the most effective and practical: Chimora is made by boiling the cactus for about 12 hours, but we have the advantage of blenders, so the process "boils down" to about 4 hours...
Get a tall, fresh San Pedro cactus
This is the material you are going to use:
- 2 big containers (I'm using 2 wide coffee mugs), same size - An 8-quart cooking pot - A spoon or wooden spatula - A clean cloth (for straining)
Cut about one-foot of the San Pedro cactus (one dose) you can plant the tip on the ground, so it grows roots.
You can get an idea of the size I use, some SP cactus can have a high mescaline content, others don't... a one-foot dose is a safe those.
Cut the cactus in star-shaped slices.
Then cut the stars in little pieces.
Now, fill one container with the pieces and the other one with the same amount of water and mix them in the blender... Repeat as needed.
Blend the cactus until the green liquid reaches the top of the blender.
Slowly cook the mix on low hit until the mixture is even.
Be careful, after a few minutes, the pulp will separate from the water, and this will continue for about 30 or 40 minutes. Keep the heat really really low.
Slowly the mix will turn into a gooey pulp
Keep an eye on it! even the slightest distraction can cause this. (Note: I obviously let my psychedelic mix spill on purpose, to exemplify)
Keep boiling until most of the water evaporates, for about 2 to 4 hours. In this period remove frequently and you may add some more water 2 or 3 times as needed.
Eventually the mix becomes a dense, gluey goop... Time to turn off the stove. (Note: the mix in this picture still needs more time, it still has unnecessary water)
Place the cloth over the blender and pour the mix into the cloth, you can wrap an elastic band around the cloth to keep it in its place.
Liquid will slowly seep through the cloth.
If your mix is as "wet" as this one, this will take about 30 - 45 minutes, but I suggest that you boil the mix for a little more so you get a "dryer" mix, in this case it will take about 20 minutes.
Tie the top of the cloth around the pulp
If liquid is still seeping through, let it seep for another 5 or 10 minutes, or until the pulp is cold enough for you to squeeze it with your hands
And voilá! your psychedelic tea is ready for consumption. Now, a San Pedro cactus beverage is the strongest, nastiest thing I have ever tried, so be prepared to drink something different, I would say. You can add lemon or lime juice and cool it for a little bit to make the taste more tolerable. Some people prefer drinking the mix fast and at once (once your body feels the disgust, it will become harder to keep sipping your psychedelic tea), and others prefer to sip it every few minutes for a period of 45 minutes or an hour, to reduce the *shock*. I've found the first one easier to do, although the second method gives a longer, mellower effect. Enjoy your trip!!! I'd love to know how this works for you!, Just click here.
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