Feb. 23, 2006
Casiguran's Virgin Coconut Distilled Wine and Coconut Vinegar:
Naturally Made, Naturally Healthy
Casiguran, Aurora - For the residents of this town some 150 kilometers northeast of Manila and situated at the foot of the majestic Sierra Madre Mountain Range, festive occasions will never be complete without a drinking session of virgin coconut distilled wine or commonly known as "lambanog".
But unlike other liquors, Casiguran's virgin coconut distilled wine won't give you a headache or a nasty hang-over. In fact, residents claim that the wine serves as a potent body energizer and a cure for stomach aches. They also say that the "lambanog" has cancer fighting anti-oxidants.
Casiguran's "lambanog" is made from the dripping sap or "tuba" of coconut tree flowers. The sweet and frothy tuba - a rejuvenating drink by itself - is cooked through a strict process of natural fermentation and distillation that produces the chemical-free "lambanog".
Town Mayor Reynaldo T. Bitong initiated the formation of the Casiguran Producer Cooperative (CPP) to ensure the quality production of the town's virgin coconut distilled wine and vinegar.
Bitong said that the cooperative, which was registered last February 2, 2005, also aims to protect the environment by propagating organic agriculture and using natural practices in food production. He adds that this helps lessen human exposure to harmful chemically treated foods.
Casiguran's coconut vinegar is also made from "tuba". The "tuba" is naturally fermented between 60 to 90 days. When the "tuba" has reached its natural acidity level, it is then boiled without preservatives and chemical additives to produce the best tasting vinegar.
Tests reveal that the vinegar has beta-carotene, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium and sodium. It is best used for cooking, dipping marinating, salad dressing and pickling. Coco vinegar is a vital ingredient for almost all kinds of sauces. It also serves as healthy energy drink.
The vinegar is good for health conscious individuals because it is a natural appetite suppressant. It also helps to prevent heart diseases by reducing harmful cholesterol. It is also rich in anti-oxidants that help fight certain cancers.
Residents claim that the vinegar also slows the effects of aging, reduces the severity and frequency of headaches and helps cure many common ailments such as stress and even dandruff.
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