Here are a few surprising things you didn't know about it

It's National Tequila Day, and no, we're not disputing its existence. Here are five things you probably didn't know about tequila in celebration of the holiday.

It comes from a herb, so it must be safe, right?

Gluten-free people, have no doubt! Tequila is completely healthy for you to eat. Tequila is produced by fermenting the juice of the blue agave vine, which has a pia core that resembles that of a pineapple. After being picked, the pia is taken to a distillery and roasted to release its juices, which are then fermented, distilled, and aged before being bottled.

Mezcal is a kind of tequila, but tequila is not mezcal.

Let's break it down because it's a bit complicated. Mezcal and tequila are both made from agave, but only the blue agave plant can be used to make tequila. The taste profiles vary somewhat, with mezcal being slightly smokier.

Tequila must be produced in a certain region of Mexico.

Do you know how true Champagne is made in France's Champagne region? It's the same situation here. Tequila must be produced in the state of Jalisco or one of its neighboring states in order to be classified as such. However, Jalisco manufactures the bulk of tequila.

Tequila was born in, you guessed it, Tequila

And, indeed, the city is situated in the state of Jalisco. It's the birthplace of the famous drink, where indigenous Mexicans fermented blue agave juice until it became the popular beverage it is today. The place, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, still has several distilleries.

Tequila would not exist if it weren't for women.

Tequila's (as in the town) women have traditionally been the ones to cultivate the blue agave plants known as hijuelos (little children). From February to July, when the plants sprout, women can still be seen working in the fields.

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