How Families In India Are Keeping A 500-Year-Old Cashew Liquor Tradition Alive | Still Standing

Business Insider6 minutes read

The Gownka family in Goa, India produces feni, a rare liquor made from cashew fruit juice, using traditional techniques dating back to the 1500s, but faces challenges due to fewer local buyers and high costs of expansion, selling 175 liters per season for around 50,000 Indian rupees.

Insights

  • The Gownka family in Goa, India, has been producing Feni, a unique liquor made from cashew fruit juice, using traditional methods since the 1500s, showcasing a rich cultural heritage and commitment to preserving age-old techniques.
  • Despite their dedication to craftsmanship, the Gownka family faces economic challenges due to declining local demand and the financial constraints of scaling up their production, highlighting the delicate balance between tradition and modern market forces in sustaining artisanal practices.

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Recent questions

  • What is Feni?

    A liquor made from cashew fruit juice.

  • How is Feni produced?

    By fermenting cashew fruit juice and distilling it.

  • How much Feni does the Gownka family produce?

    175 liters per season.

  • What is the alcohol content of Feni?

    45%.

  • How is Feni consumed?

    Locally, for around 50,000 Indian rupees.

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Summary

00:00

Traditional family produces rare cashew liquor.

  • Feni, a rare liquor made from cashew fruit juice, is produced by the Gownka family in Goa, India, using traditional techniques dating back to the 1500s.
  • The family handpicks fallen cashew fruits each morning, separating the fruit from the nut, selling the nuts to factories, and juicing the fruit by stomping with mining boots to extract the juice effectively.
  • The juice ferments for two to three days, then is distilled in a copper drum, sealed with mud and cloth, and heated over wood fire for several hours to produce feni with 45% alcohol content.
  • The Gownka family produces 175 liters of feni per season, selling it locally for around 50,000 Indian rupees, facing challenges due to fewer local buyers and the high cost of expanding their operation.
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