Method to preserve toddy for three years

KOCHI: The law says that toddy must be destroyed after 48 hours, but it can be stored in a bottle for three years without getting spoiled. It does not lose its nutritional value and does not become intoxicating with age. This is not a myth, it is science.

Dr. C Mohankumar, the owner of Scopeful Bio Research Company in Kalamassery Kinfra Park, has the scientific method to do this. He still keeps toddy and Neera which was bottled and sealed three years ago. Toddy can be cultured in the plant and bottled with organic antioxidants that prevent fermentation. The only thing stopping the sale is the law.

A plant with a capacity of 500 litres per day will require a maximum of 20 lakh rupees. The cost of organic antioxidants for one litre of toddy is two rupees. Filtering, pasteurizing and packing machines are also required. A plant requires 200 coconuts. Small countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka are selling and exporting toddy in bottles.

Mohan Kumar, a biotechnologist, has been involved in Neera research since 2010. Many Neera companies in Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been working with Mohankumar's technology. He is also a member of the Neera Steering Committee of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Problems for selling; solution

At present, the law allows the sale and tapping of toddy in connection to toddy shops only.

• Law should be changed so that licences are given to the processing plants also.

Only Indian-made foreign liquors are allowed to be sold in bottles.

• Processed toddy should also be allowed to be sold in bottles

Nutrient content of fresh toddy(in 100 ml)

Sugar: 10-11 % (10-11 g)

Protein: 0.22% (220 mg)

Fat: 0.18% (180 mg)

Minerals: 0.3% (300 mg)

Amino Acid: 0.25% (250 mg)

Vitamin A and B2. B3, C: 0.08% (80 mg)

Alcohol content

5% in fresh toddy

9% in aged toddy