The Tropical Delight: Coconut Wine, Western Region’s Signature Libation
Let's delve into the world of coconut wine, a unique delicacy from the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Unknown to many, this exotic beverage is a local specialty, and we're here to uncover its secrets.
When it comes to specialties in Ben Tre, people often think of the sweet coconut candy or the juicy coconuts. Today, let’s explore coconut wine, a unique and famous specialty of Ben Tre that everyone should buy as a gift for their family and friends.
1 Origin and Source of Coconut Wine
The coconut tree has been closely associated with the people of Ben Tre for generations, and it is integral to their spiritual life. Everything from the coconut fruit is utilized, from making various candies for children to offering gifts to visitors of this prosperous land. Additionally, the coconut tree creates both spiritual and material values.
Origin and Source of Coconut Wine
The people of Ben Tre make the most of all parts of the coconut tree, from using the shell as a cup or tea warmer to creating delicious candies and, of course, coconut wine. Coconut wine is a distinctive local beverage that rivals the traditional wines of highland ethnic groups, such as Meo Apple Wine or Na Hang Corn Wine.
Origin and Source of Coconut Wine
The exact origin of coconut wine is unknown, but it is a legacy of the ingenuity and experimentation of the ancestors of Ben Tre. They created a famous specialty that holds high commercial value, leading every visitor to this place to buy it as a gift for their loved ones.
2 How Coconut Wine is Made and Its Flavor
The most important ingredient for making this renowned coconut wine is, of course, the coconut fruit. The coconuts should be round, beautiful, and have thick coconut meat, with a diameter of 16 to 18 cm and a weight of 1.2 to 1.4 kg after peeling.
Coconuts should be round, beautiful, and have thick coconut meat
The outer husk is polished smooth to create a glossy finish, serving as the wine container. As for the glutinous rice, it should have full, round grains.
After cleaning the glutinous rice, it is mixed with a secret traditional wine-making yeast. Depending on the recipe, either glutinous rice wine yeast or Phu Le glutinous rice wine yeast is used, and sometimes traditional Chinese or Vietnamese medicinal herbs are added.
Drill a small hole at the top of the coconut and pour out some of the coconut water
Finally, use aluminum foil and food wrapping film to seal the hole and let it ferment for 15-20 days. The final product is a white, cloudy wine with floating coconut pieces.
Use aluminum foil and food wrapping film to seal the hole
Once the coconut wine is ready and has been fermented for the right amount of time, it will emit a distinctive aroma, and the coconut meat will have dissolved, resulting in a type of wine that is beneficial to one’s health.
Coconut wine, when ready, will have a distinctive aroma
The flavor is slightly strong but sweet and refreshing, and drinking it gives a warm and gentle feeling without the typical headache caused by other market wines.
3 How to Use and Store Coconut Wine
How to Use Coconut Wine
Coconut wine is easy to drink and beneficial to human health.
Coconut wine is easy to drink and offers health benefits. You can use it as a refreshing drink during meals, suitable for both men and women. Simply insert a tube into the hole in the coconut shell to enjoy it.
You can also place the coconut over a fire to warm the wine or drink it directly. Drinking this wine aids digestion, weight loss, improves skin, stimulates appetite, and helps prevent intestinal inflammation, among other benefits.
How to Store Coconut Wine
This type of wine is recommended to be stored in a cool, dry place
This type of wine is recommended to be stored in a cool, dry place, at a temperature below 25 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture. Coconut wine is at its best after six months of aging.
To prevent the wine from spoiling or developing mold during fermentation, sterilized plastic bags should be used to cover the outside of the coconut.
Additionally, you can store coconut wine in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life.
4 How Much Does Coconut Wine Cost?
Regular coconut wine is sold for approximately VND 40,000 to 45,000 per coconut
Regular coconut wine is sold for approximately VND 40,000 to 45,000 per coconut, with a volume of 500ml to 550ml. This type of coconut wine is commonly found in local eateries, restaurants, and small-scale specialty shops.
As for premium, commercial coconut wine, the price is higher, ranging from VND 45,000 to 60,000 per coconut, and it is usually distributed by well-known local brands.
The information above introduces coconut wine, a unique specialty of Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. We hope that through this article, you have gained valuable and fascinating insights into this delicious treat.
Frequently asked questions
Coconut wine is a unique and famous specialty of Ben Tre, Vietnam. It is a distinctive local beverage that is made from coconuts and rivals traditional wines of highland ethnic groups.
The exact origin of coconut wine is unknown, but it is a creation of the ancestors of Ben Tre. They utilized all parts of the coconut tree, and the wine is made from the coconut fruit, with a unique process involving yeast and traditional herbs.
To make coconut wine, you need round, beautiful coconuts with thick meat. The outer husk is polished smooth, and the inside is mixed with glutinous rice and a secret traditional wine-making yeast. A small hole is drilled, some coconut water is poured out, and then it is sealed with aluminum foil and food wrapping film for fermentation. The final product is a white, cloudy wine with floating coconut pieces. It has a slightly strong but sweet and refreshing flavor, providing a warm and gentle feeling.
Coconut wine is easy to drink and offers health benefits, aiding digestion, improving skin, and stimulating appetite, among others. It can be consumed directly from the coconut shell or warmed over a fire. For storage, it is best kept in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from direct sunlight. It is recommended to use sterilized plastic bags during fermentation to prevent spoilage. Coconut wine ages well and is best after six months.
Regular coconut wine is sold for approximately VND 40,000 to 45,000 per 500-550ml coconut. Premium, commercial coconut wine distributed by local brands can range from VND 45,000 to 60,000 per coconut.
Once a forgotten dish, this culinary delight has now been transformed into a renowned specialty across the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in this unique flavor for just VND 140,000 per kg.
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