The everlasting palm wine is a traditional drink that is made from the sap of oil palm trees. Palm trees grow abundantly in Nigeria. Unsurprisingly, this natural drink is popular in Idomaland and has a place of honour at many events. Palm wine is traditionally consumed in a variety of ways, depending on the culture and region it is from.
Ways to consume palm wine
Some common ways to consume palm wine include:
- Freshly tapped: Palm wine is often consumed freshly tapped, straight from the tree. This is the most popular way of consuming it, and it is considered to be the most nutritious.
- Fermented: In some cultures, the sap is collected and fermented to make palm wine, which can be stored for longer periods. Fermented palm wine is often consumed as an alcoholic beverage.
- Distilled: In some cultures, fermented palm wine is distilled to make a stronger alcoholic beverage known as “palm wine liquor” or “palm gin.”
- Cooked: In some cultures, palm wine is cooked with other ingredients to make a variety of dishes such as stews, soups, or sauces.
- Mixed: In some cultures, palm wine is mixed with other ingredients such as ginger, pepper, or cinnamon to make a flavoured drink.
It’s important to note that the way of consuming palm wine can vary depending on the culture and region, and that excessive consumption of palm wine can lead to health problems such as liver damage, alcoholism, and addiction.
Benefits of palm wine
That being said, five potential benefits of drinking palm wine include:
- Nutritional value: Palm wine is a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains amino acids, enzymes, and yeast that may be beneficial to the body.
- Low alcohol content: Palm wine has a low alcohol content, usually around 3-8% alcohol by volume, which is lower than most alcoholic beverages.
- Energy boost: Palm wine is high in natural sugars and is known to provide an energy boost.
- Digestive aid: The natural yeast in palm wine can aid in digestion and improve gut health.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Palm wine has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
It’s important to keep in mind that the benefits of drinking palm wine are based on moderate consumption and the way it is produced. It’s important to consume it in moderation, and to be aware of its source, as some palm wine may be adulterated with harmful chemicals or other substances that can cause health problems.
Do you have any beneficial experience of drinking palm wine? Share your thoughts below.