Mahua: The hidden gem of Indian spirits
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Mahua: The hidden gem of Indian spirits set for revival
The Mahua tree is a vital resource, offering a diverse array of products. Its edible flowers boast a sugar content of 68% to 72%, forming the base of the liquor. Beyond its popularity as a beverage, the Mahua tree provides rich oil, starch from its fruits, and fibrous bark for various applications. The seeds yield valuable cooking oil and biodiesel, while leaves are crafted into functional items like bowls and plates. Furthermore, the Mahua tree harbours medicinal properties, used traditionally to treat ailments such as malaria and diarrhoea, highlighting its ecological and cultural significance.
Historically, Mahua liquor enjoyed immense popularity until the British Raj viewed it as a threat to revenue from imported spirits, leading to its prohibition. This ban resulted in a noticeable decline in Mahua's cultural relevance and the rights of tribal communities to produce and market it. However, a transformative shift is underway as local governments increasingly lift these restrictions, fostering a renewed appreciation for Mahua as a vital Indian spirit.
Mahua liquor, a traditional sweetened beverage with vibrant floral notes, has been cherished by India's tribal communities for centuries. Crafted from the exquisite flowers of the Mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia), this liquor is primarily found in the rich forests of central, northern, and southern India. Its heritage parallels that of other renowned Geographical Indication (GI) products like Darjeeling Tea, showcasing the deep cultural roots of this spirit.
In recent years, Mahua liquor has garnered significant attention beyond its ancestral communities, appealing to wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide. Efforts to revive and promote this historic beverage are underway, notably through the pursuit of GI status, which aims to safeguard its unique qualities and origin.
Experts posit that Mahua has the potential to become India's answer to the Mexican tequila, positioning itself firmly on the global stage. They express optimism that Mahua could emerge as a cultural icon for India. Tequila, recognised as a protected GI, is a distilled product from the blue agave plant, cultivated in specific Mexican regions. In contrast, Mahua stands out as the world's only pot-distilled spirit made from naturally sweet flowers, with a rich heritage extending back to ancient times.
The Mahua tree flourishes in significant numbers across several Indian states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar. Reports estimate that around 0.85 million metric tonnes of Mahua flowers are produced annually, with potential production reaching 4.9 million metric tonnes. Remarkably, 90-95% of the annual harvest is utilised in creating beverages, emphasising its importance to local cultures.
From local to global?
Recent initiatives have highlighted the potential of Mahua liquor. The Madhya Pradesh government has embraced Mahua as a "heritage liquor," officially launching Mahua heritage liquor on retail shelves in August 2023. Additionally, the Maharashtra government has updated its laws to permit local tribal groups to collect and store Mahua flowers legally.
The first commercially available Mahua spirit, branded as "Mond," has hit the retail market in Madhya Pradesh as of 2023. Produced by the Bhil and Bhilala tribes with the backing of self-help groups, Mond is offered in 180 ml and 750 ml bottles, priced competitively at Rs 200 and Rs 800, respectively.
Growing interest in Mahua is supported by modern initiatives and collaborations. In March 2020, a Mahua-based alcoholic beverage called Mahua Nutri-beverage was developed with contributions from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and IIT-Delhi. This product features fruit-infused flavours and reduced alcohol content, aiming to broaden its appeal.
Internationally, collaborations such as MAH Spirit, an Indo-French venture, are gaining traction. Their products, made from Mahua flowers sourced from India, have started making inroads into the French market, showcasing the global potential of this unique spirit.
Desmond Nazareth, Founder of Agave India, Goa, has made dedicated efforts over the past decade to develop and market Mahua-based liquor products. With over two decades in the alcohol space, he has developed home-grown agave spirits as well as artisanal cacha?a-style sugarcane spirits. In 2018, he launched mahua, pot-distilled to international standards. in Goa.
They have made several adaptations and experiments with Mahua. In conversation with IBT, he said that they have complemented the flavour of the flower with honey and spices. It is possible to make ready-to-drink beverages at lower alcohol strength with the Mahua spirit base. It can be paired with beer and wines and used in multiple iterations, like dry Sangria with a Mahua flower. It is a very versatile flower, with the spirit coming in as a pleasant aftertaste. He claims that it's only the beginning.
According to Conrad Braganza, in-house mixologist/bartender for Agave India, "Mahua is not just a spirit; it’s a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and an untapped economic powerhouse... What makes it truly special is that it empowers tribal communities who are the custodians of this tradition. Every bottle of Mahua tells its story of generations of collecting flowers, distilling with care, and now, stepping onto the global stage. If nurtured well, this hidden treasure could drive export growth, boost tourism, and bring a sense of pride to Indians and Indophiles everywhere."
Mahua can also add to the sense of pride that Indians, the Indian diaspora, and Indophiles feel by offering an alcohol that is indigenously Indian from the standpoint of raw material, tradition, as well as production.
By strategically focusing on collaborations with bars and restaurants, conducting tasting events, and exploring export opportunities, Mahua liquor is well-positioned to garner international interest. With the grant of GI status serving as an assurance of quality and authenticity, Mahua is poised to carve out a significant niche in both domestic and global liquor markets.
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