Panaji: An indigenous alcoholic drink synonymous with Goa, Feni will now get a government policy of its own, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said during the Goa Budget 2021 on Wednesday.
"The new Feni policy would be notified soon to provide long-term vision and due recognition to Goa's heritage drink 'feni'. Efforts would be made to promote this heritage spirit!" Sawant said in his budget speech during the ongoing budget session of the state legislative assembly.
Sawant, in his budget speech, also said that the government proposed to support traditional taverns and country liquor retail sale premises by allowing them to get "additional licences on the same premises without any formalities". The Chief Minister also said that the government would start the process for obtaining a GI-tag for coconut feni, a traditional alcohol derived from coconut palms, in order to promote it on the global map.
For those who don’t know Feni, it is a traditional alcohol distilled from the fermented juice of cashew apples. According to medical experts, it is free from organic or artificial flavours and thus safe to drink. The name ‘Feni’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘phena’ which describes froth. The drink is a part of Goa food tradition from the last 400 years. Unlike other alcohol, Feni doesn’t give you a hangover. Generally, there are two types of Feni: Coconut Feni and Cashew Feni.
The traditional drink of the coastal state also got the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate in 2009. Five years back, the Goan government launched the process of announcing it as a heritage drink.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF FENI
· Feni is used as a cure for tooth problems, swelling and some types ulcers.
· It also has antiseptic properties which helps in curing wounds
· According to experts, the drink helps in reducing fat when served along with dishes.
· Suffering from cold and cough? Feni can cure you.
· It cleanses the respiratory system.
· Feni helps in treating constipation too.
(With inputs from IANS)
