Coconut and wine are two words you might not’ve heard together often. But, a Kerala farmer has brought them together, quite literally! After 20 whole years of trial and error, India’s first-ever tender coconut wine has finally hit the stores. Retired Deputy Tehsildar and farmer, Sebastian P. Augustine of Bheemanady worked on creating this unique wine version and his efforts finally bore fruit after 20 years.
All You Need To Know About India’s First-Ever Tender Coconut Wine
- 20-Year History Of India’s First-Ever Tender Coconut Wine
- Making Of The Coconut Wine
- Sebastian Augustine’s Legacy
20-Year History Of India’s First-Ever Tender Coconut Wine
Back in 2004, Sebastian successfully created his first wine by blending tender coconut with the exotic fruits that he grew. Soon, he applied for a patent and was granted one in 2007. Recently, he received a license from the state’s Excise Department, allowing him to manufacture and sell this creation on a larger scale under a brand name of his choice.
Making Of The Coconut Wine
This exceptional wine originates from Sebastian’s 15-acre coconut farm in Bheemanady. At River Island Winery, he blends tender coconut with fruits like dragon fruit, mango, banana, papaya, and jackfruit, resulting in a distinctive low-alcohol wine. Each 250-litre batch uses about 1,000 tender coconuts and 250 kilograms of fruit. By substituting water with tender coconut, he has significantly enhanced the wine’s flavor, offering a refreshing and memorable drinking experience.
Sebastian secured a license from the excise department to craft low-strength wine from fresh juice and fruit. He highlighted that a significant hurdle was China’s existing license to produce wine from coconut water. However, he gained approval by demonstrating that his wine is made from tender coconut.
The wine, with an alcohol content of around 8-10%, boasts a light, refreshing taste with subtle hints of coconut and a smooth finish. Unlike grape wine, which has a robust and complex flavor, tender coconut wine offers a delicate, tropical experience that appeals to a wide range of palates.
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Sebastian Augustine’s Legacy
He has also sought patents in other countries and was honored with Kerala’s ‘Kera Kesari’ award for his contributions to agriculture. As he prepares to launch this venture in the coming months, he believes that Kerala’s wine industry holds immense potential. With his initiatives, he hopes that it will inspire other farmers to explore similar opportunities and contribute to this growing industry.
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Summing Up
After 20 years of dedication and perseverance, the launch of India’s first ever tender coconut wine is a testament to Sebastian Augustine’s tireless efforts. By combining traditional farming with his unique techniques, he has crafted a legacy that will surely appeal to the local and international markets. Also, maybe this is a sign to pour yourself some wine and relish on this refreshing drink!
FAQs
Is Wine An Alcohol Or Not?
Yes, wine is an alcohol. It is created from grapes and the sugars in grape juice are converted to alcohol during the fermentation process. Wine also contains antioxidants that are scientifically proven to benefit the heart, blood circulation, and improve skin texture.
Is Wine Good For Skin?
Yes, wine is good for the skin. It contains antioxidants and other essential nutrients that are great for anti-aging and keeping skin healthy.
Can Wine Be Made From Coconut?
Yes, coconut can be made from wine. Many cultures in Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia, and even India have their own versions of liquor made from coconut and palm.