What is Palm Toddy?
“Palm toddy,” an intriguing alcoholic beverage derived from a specific palm tree's sap, possesses a rich, millennia-old history. While Akos may be a new name in this landscape, it draws inspiration from the ancient traditions of palm toddy.
Where Palm Toddy is Enjoyed
Rural communities across hot equatorial regions worldwide have long enjoyed palm toddy, with production and consumption methods remaining consistent, irrespective of the originating country or village. The inspiration for Akos sprung from witnessing Tanzanian farmers in rural locales collecting palm sap and fermenting it with naturally present yeasts in the air. Just as one might tap a maple tree for syrup in New England, these farmers climb palmyra palms, tap into the trunk, and channel the sap into a bamboo shoot. This sap collection represents the most challenging aspect of crafting palm wine. Once accomplished, nature swiftly completes the transformation process. Wild yeasts in the air ferment the sap into a beverage boasting an alcohol content similar to beer in just about 12 hours! However, in the past, palm toddy would spoil rapidly if not consumed promptly. The relentless yeast would continue fermentation, transforming the alcohol eventually into vinegar. Akos brings a touch of science to this time-honored palm wine craft, halting the fermentation of our palm sap at an optimal 6.8%.
The Sustainable Sourcing of Palm Toddy
Palm tapping, the process through which palm toddy is sourced, is inherently sustainable. The majestic palmyra palm, living up to a hundred years with or without tapping, remains unharmed. Akos, akin to any traditional palm wine, is inherently sustainable. The palmyra tree, the source of both Akos and palm wine, while primarily known for its sap as a "crop," thrives best in biodiverse environments and resists monocropping. Sadly, many palmyra palms are repurposed for lumber each year, their land sold off to palm oil industries. However, with Akos propelling the commercial-scale practice of palm toddy production, there now exists a compelling reason for farmers to preserve these magnificent trees.
The Distinctive Color of Palm Toddy
Naturally, palm toddy exhibits a vibrant white color, but only after producing the world's first commercially available palm toddy did we realize it was the contaminants in the humid jungle air that influenced this hue! We're delighted that Akos is a beverage that remains faithful to its palm wine heritage, delivering a consistently smooth and pleasing experience with the opening of each can.