The name Kerala comes from the word keram (coconut tree) and the name is an indication of the dependence of its people on coconut trees.

There are a wide variety of products obtained from a coconut tree which have both local consumptive use and economical value. They include coconuts, its juice, oil, raw material for coir industry, value added products, etc. But the most exciting of them all is the toddy, which is a traditional alcoholic beverage of Kerala. I find it interesting primarily due to two reasons.

Firstly, its the method of extraction. Men tie rope around their waist holding a jar (which holds toddy) and climb up these tall trees (10m to 30m) using just one rope and drill holes at the top of the tree to drain out toddy from the stem with the aid of a special knife.

Secondly, its applications. In the early morning, when toddy is fresh, it is used as a health drink for ladies and children as its negligibly low in alcoholic content and rich in nutrients. The same toddy in the evening ferments to a good alcoholic beverage and hence a product of large market.

So next time you visit Kerala, do not forget to taste the toddy either in the morning or in the evening depending on your preference.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 12th, 2007 at 8:36 pm and is filed under India. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.