If you have ever travelled to tribal regions in India, you will know of the many indigenous fermented drinks that are part of their rich culinary traditions. Mahua is a flower found in many adivasi areas in Odisha, Jharkhand and a few other states. An alcoholic drink is made with the flowers of the mahua tree. The government has recently announced plans to sell it as a mildly-alcoholic drink infused with flavours.
"We plan to add various flavours to mahua such as ginger, pomegranate and ajwain (carom seeds), and sell it in the market like a mildly-alcoholic beverage, on the lines of the (Bacardi) Breezer," said Pravir Krishna, Managing Director, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
The product will be launched soon. The government is also planning to sell de-seeded tamarind and amla as candies and jams. TRIFED has signed a MoU with IIT-Delhi to also use the syrup of the flower for making jams, squash, chutneys and some non-alcoholic beverages. The drink will be mostly sourced from Bastar and sold under the brand name Mahua.