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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
