Goan Feni, History, Preparation, Types, Latest News

Feni is a traditional Indian spirit, well-known in Goa, made from the fermentation and double distillation of either cashew apples or coconut sap.

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Goan Feni Latest News

Goan Feni, popularly known as Ozzo Feni, has also received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

It is a traditional Indian spirit native to Goa, and is made from the fermentation and double distillation of either cashew apples or coconut sap.
It’s strong, clear liquor with a unique flavour.
History: Feni was introduced to India by the Portuguese missionaries in the 1600s when they came to trade. They brought with them cashew plant trees and also 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.

As per a study, cashew feni production is a relatively laborious and lengthy process that does not require specialized equipment.
It 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.

Source: TOI