And most of the town's 17,000 inhabitants depend on the tequila industry for their livelihood. The town of Tequila is surrounded by endless fields of cacti. More than 100 million plants cover the parched foothills. They grow in straight rows, roughly 1,200 plants to an acre. The cactus hearts are steamed and the resulting liquids flow into large steel vats for fermentation.
Some tequila is set aside for aging.
Rich in yeast and vitamins, tequila is used as an astringent, aftershave and insect repellent. It is considered a digestive aid, diuretic and laxative in one. It is said to have magical properties that can cure or arrest the effects of syphilis, purify the blood and fight cholesterol. It is no surprise that today tequila can be found in pharmacies, markets and liquor stores, bars and restaurants, even hardware stores. Canada, France and Japan follow.