Toddy is an alcoholic drink made by fermenting the sap tapped from various palm trees, most closely associated with South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Philippines, where it is known under many local names such as kallu, kallu sara or tuba. The sap begins fermenting naturally within hours of tapping due to wild airborne yeast, so fresh toddy is mild and only lightly alcoholic, while toddy left to ferment longer grows progressively stronger and more sour. Toddy tapping is traditionally a specialized, often hereditary occupation, and the drink is typically sold and consumed very locally and fresh, close to where it was tapped, because of how quickly it changes.
Facts
Partially Attested
Origin RegionThe source names the South Asian countries where coconut and palmyra palms are preferred for palm wine; it does not state a single proven region of origin. Connections
Sources
1. Palm Wine (Wikipedia)
WikipediaProduction section, sentence on South Asian countriesQuote, Production section, sentence on South Asian countries
In South Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka, coconut palms and Palmyra palms (Borassus species) are preferred.
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