From Farm To Glass: Crafting Cocktails With 5 Locally Sourced Organic Ingredients
Locally sourced organic ingredients differ from organic ingredients, which are available in supermarkets and marts. Organic ingredients in nationwide stores consist of basic fruits and exotic varieties.
Locally sourced organic ingredients, especially fruits and herbs, are native to a particular locality. These ingredients are not exported or imported; these are simply sold in farmers' markets or mandis, where villagers from different parts of the district come together to sell seasonal produce.
Farm to glass movement is ideal for using globally sourced organic ingredients to reflect seasonal surroundings. Using organic fruits, herbs, and botanicals in various recipes gives home mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts new seasonal flair to get creative with. The movement supports sustainable farming with an opportunity to connect with nature and taste better.
Locally produced organic ingredients can make the cocktail taste better as they are freshly harvested, and the flavour profile of these ingredients maintains a proper standard and complexity.
Many of the locally produced ingredients are from nearby forests in the native area. This enables cocktail enthusiasts to look for uncommon ingredients to experiment with. Locally sourced organic ingredients also give a distinct and unique taste, which cannot be found in store-bought ingredients.
Get to know about different locally sourced ingredients that one can find in the market to make one's cocktail recipe more complex and unique.
5 Locally Sourced Organic Ingredients For Crafting Cocktails
Here, locally sourced organic ingredients for crafting cocktails can be a great addition.
Roselle Blooms
Roselle blooms are a kind of flowers that are mostly sold in local farmers' markets in smaller districts of East India. These are very popular in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Roselle blooms are mostly planted as a barrier to the field because of its tall, thorny bushes. The plant can survive in rough conditions and often requires no assistance.
Villagers and locals even forage these from forests in the region, too. Roselle blooms are sour in taste and have a unique maroon colour to them. It has a more intense flavour of cranberry with a darker colour. Roselle blooms can be used as a garnish or even syrup. These are only available during winter and autumn.
Wild Berries
Instead of going for exotic berries such as cranberries, raspberries, and blueberries, one can go for various locally sourced berries which are as unique and intense in flavour as exotic ones.
Locally sourced organic berries such as strawberries, gooseberries and ber add to the sour flavour profile with more complex flavours. Strawberries can be locally sourced from the Manali region. Gooseberries can be sourced from local markets in Madhya Pradesh. Ber can be found in tribal markets of Jharkhand.
Water Chestnuts
Water chestnuts can be a great addition to cocktails that use coconut water. These add a sweet flavour but are more intense. These can be locally sourced during the rainy season from any local market.
These are widely grown all over India organically and sold as a popular fruit. After purchasing water chestnuts, one should consume them within a week because they cannot be stored in a fridge. Using crushed water chestnuts in your cocktail will add more texture to the drink.
Kendu (Coromandel)
Kendu is a great addition to your cocktail garnishing because it tastes like a cross between chikoo and mango. These can be widely found in warm areas of India, such as West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar. If someone comes by this fruit, they should definitely try to make use of it in a cocktail for unique flavours.
Ice Apple
Ice apple is another interesting fruit that can be locally sourced from tribal markets or mandi. Ice apples are popular throughout South India and are fruits of specific palm trees. The flavour of ice apple is similar to the name. The flesh is very watery and tastes like gelatin. Due to its moisture content, it cannot be made as a syrup but can be used as an interesting garnish. These can also be used frozen as an alternative to regular, cleverly serving extra fruits in the drink.
These locally sourced ingredients are mostly seasonal and grow in smaller parts of India, where they are regularly eaten in different tribes and villages. Finding locally sourced produce for ingredients is difficult, but it is worth it because of its uniqueness and distinct flavour profile. If one is opting for locally sourced ingredients in their residency, it can be cheaper, too.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
