Experience Toddy Tapping in Maldives with Summer Island Maldives

Saturday 20th of June 2020

Read time

4 mins

Experience Toddy Tapping in Maldives with Summer Island Maldives

Toddy tapping or Raaverikan was one of the most important occupations in the Maldives. It is the ancient art of extracting juice from the flowers of the coconut palm, the national tree of Maldives. Back then in the country, this profession was only second to fishing. A master in this work, Iqbal from Noomara, Shaviyani Atoll, is a multi-talented boat captain at Summer Island Resort.

The Raaveriyaa (toddy tapper) carefully cuts a flower of the coconut palm tree and a wraps it with a leaf of screw pine. The collecting pots (Raa Bandi) are made from coconut shells and are left overnight to fill. This produces toddy (Ruku Raa), a sweet non-alcoholic thirst quencher. Regardless, of the love for this by locals, Raaverikan is a dying tradition in the country.

Summer Islands’ Toddy tapper - The very multitalented Iqbal, is from Noomara, Shaviyani Atoll and has been working with us as boat captain for over a decade. Toddy tapping, the ancient art of extracting juice from the flowers of the coconut palm, is among one of the many talents he possess. Traditional Maldivian toddy, also known as “Ruku Raa” is a tender sap collected from palm trees and stored in toddy collecting pots (Raa Bandi). This beverage is a sweet non-alcoholic thirst quencher, which tastes like nectar in summer heat. It can also be used to make ‘Dhiyaa Hakuru’ – a caramelised honey-like syrup, made by boiling toddy. To start the process, the ‘Raaveriyaa’ (toddy tapper) will carefully chop the tip of a young flower bud and wrap it tightly, traditionally with a screw pine leaf. When the sap is ready to be collected the process is repeated and collecting pots are left overnight to collect the sap. Be sure to try it on your next trip with us!🌴 . . . #summerislandmaldives #toddy #toddytapping #summertoddytapper #maldivesislands #culture #tradition #carryonthetradition #explorecultures
Posted by Summer Island Maldives on Friday, June 19, 2020

During the beginning of 20th century, toddy played an important role in the exports of the economy. It was exported to countries such as Sri Lanka and was used in various forms. By heating the liquid, you can make Dhiyai hakuru, a liquid sugar that’s a popular ingredient in deserts and sweet products. By further cooking this, a creamy white paste known as Karu Hakuru is made.

Coconut palm trees were never wasted and it was one of the most valuable natural resources in the country. While the coconuts are used to make various traditional dishes, the flowers of the coconut palm are commonly used for decoration. The coconut shell is converted into souvenirs and dry leaves and shells are used as make fire wood. The coconut husk is also used to make coir ropes.

Hence, this experience should definitely be on your list. Explore the Maldivian culture with Summer Island Maldives.

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