How is coconut sap used in Kiribati?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

In Kiribati, coconut palms are a vital part of the local diet, and their sap—known as toddy—is a significant contributor to village life.1

The sap is gathered from the tree and utilized in the following ways:

Cooking: It is used as an ingredient in various dishes.1
Beverage: It is consumed as a sweet, fresh drink.1
Intoxicant: When the sap is allowed to ferment, it becomes an intoxicating beverage.1

This practice of harvesting sap from the flower stalks is a traditional method of deriving sustenance from the palm, which also serves as a source of sugar and alcohol in various tropical regions.2