It's summertime again, and when in Goa, one must not leave the State without savouring Goan cashew nuts, feni, urrack and niro, products which emanate as fruit of the Goan earth either roasted, distilled or juice of the cashew apples. The feni, urrack and niro are best known for being the products of the ripened cashew apples. Everyone, even teetotalers, can avail of the niro.
At first, Goan cashew nuts are known worldwide for their taste and, unlike the other nuts being imported, have a distinct identity of their own. The nuts are roasted to a nicety and then the kernel is either had with the skin, without the skin or salted. Tourists from all over the world do not leave Goa without tasting these delectable nuts which are both nutritious as well as crunchy.
Also, feni and urrack are the two alcoholic beverages that are distilled either in the traditional bhattis or in the industrial retorts. Feni is the product of distillation of the juice of the cashew apples which are either done in the traditional way or otherwise and contains 42.8% alcohol and is a must along with lime or in various cocktails which are now available. Urrack is the byproduct of the distillation of cashew feni and is best had also with a lime cold drink. It contains a much lesser quantity of alcohol and is a must as a cooling summertime alcoholic beverage with relatively lesser quantity of alcohol.
The teetotaler should not feel left out as if you visit the various markets across the State, niro which is a product of crushing of the cashew apples which are just ripe and do not contain the latex and is known and even prescribed by doctors as being blood purifiers, which is sweet to taste and also has the distinct flavour of the cashew apples. It could also be blended with lime juice and had after chilling the blend.
