Moke (drink)

Moke is made from fermenting palmyra palm and sugar palm fruits, the technique of which is traditionally taught from generation to generation. Distillation is often done directly in people's yards, using customary cases made of clay for the fermentation process. ==Varieties of Moke==

White Moke All varieties of moke are made by juicing B. flabellifer and A. pinnata palm fruits. The traditional method involves a hollow bamboo stick, which is cut, washed, and then allowed to dry. Next, the prepared fruit is placed inside the bamboo, which is then hung up vertically and struck several times. After this step, the bottom tip of the bamboo stem is cut off, letting the palm fruits' released liquid drip down into a container below. This sweet-tasting extract is called white moke, due to the whitish color of the fresh juice. It may then be further processed either by fermentation in jars, or by cooking it down into a reddish sugar. Black Moke Black moke is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting white moke in earthenware clay vessels called kuwu tua. Black moke is often served in traditional parties and ceremonies. ==See also==