The tradition of Toddy
27 images Created 5 Jun 2021
Toddy or palm wine, which is locally known as ‘Ra’, is the most popular native alcoholic beverage in the island nation of Sri Lanka, ardently introduced as the pearl of the Indian Ocean.
The Toddy is not a variety of hard liquor as it could be easily drunk like a natural wine, which the taste is similar to that of cider with some rare health properties.
Toddy Tapping – The Process
Tapping Toddy is the process of collecting sap from the bud of the palm or coconut tree flowers.
Before the collection process of the sap or the juice begins, the toddy tappers climb onto coconut trees and beat the coconut flowers or the bud with a wooden pole for several days. The process will help to drain out the sap towards the end of the bud.
Then they gently slash the tip of the bud to start collecting the sap that oozes from the end. The tappers usually collect the sap twice a day, one in the morning and the second in the evening.
Where does Toddy come from?
A majority of toddy tappers who are presently engaged in the industry have inherited their profession from generation to generation. The Southwest coast of Island Ceylon from Panadura to Aluthgama is home to the premium harvest of country’s toddy production.
How to enjoy your glass of toddy
Many islanders enjoy their glass of Toddy by gulping it down in one swig before savoring it with a crystal of salt or some thinly sliced onions with freshly harvested green chilies.
The Toddy is not a variety of hard liquor as it could be easily drunk like a natural wine, which the taste is similar to that of cider with some rare health properties.
Toddy Tapping – The Process
Tapping Toddy is the process of collecting sap from the bud of the palm or coconut tree flowers.
Before the collection process of the sap or the juice begins, the toddy tappers climb onto coconut trees and beat the coconut flowers or the bud with a wooden pole for several days. The process will help to drain out the sap towards the end of the bud.
Then they gently slash the tip of the bud to start collecting the sap that oozes from the end. The tappers usually collect the sap twice a day, one in the morning and the second in the evening.
Where does Toddy come from?
A majority of toddy tappers who are presently engaged in the industry have inherited their profession from generation to generation. The Southwest coast of Island Ceylon from Panadura to Aluthgama is home to the premium harvest of country’s toddy production.
How to enjoy your glass of toddy
Many islanders enjoy their glass of Toddy by gulping it down in one swig before savoring it with a crystal of salt or some thinly sliced onions with freshly harvested green chilies.
