Goan Feni

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Why in News?

Goan Feni, also known as Ozzo Feni, has recently been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• Feni is a traditional Indian spirit native to Goa.
• It is made from the fermentation and double distillation of either cashew apples or coconut sap.
• It is a strong, clear liquor with a unique flavour.
• History - The Portuguese missionaries brought the cashew plant trees to Goa and in the 1600s and introduced the cashew apple to the region.
• They also introduced the method of distillation, which was then passed on to the locals.
• The people who made feni were called bhatikars, who used earthen pots or bhatis under a fire.
• Today, copper pots under the coil method are used to make Feni.
• The juice is fermented naturally for 72 hours, and then distilled twice.
• Process - As per a study, cashew feni production is a four-step process consisting of
  • The harvesting of cashew apples,
  • Juice extraction through stomping with feet,
  • Natural fermentation in earthen pots, and
  • Subsequent distillation and condensation in a clay still over a low wood fire.
• The distilled Feni is then aged for a couple of months and bottled.

Reference

Times of India | Goan Feni