Kithul Palm Treacle (Syrup)

Unrefined Natural Sweetener from Sri Lanka
  • Rare, natural sweetener made exclusively in Sri Lanka
  • An unrefined syrup similar to maple or coconut syrup but smokier and richer
  • Widely used in Sri Lankan Ayurveda practices for its curative properties
  • Low GI (Glycemic Index) score makes it ideal for those concerned with their sugar intake
  • No artificial preservatives, colours, flavours added. 100% Natural
  • GMP Certified product developed to the approved BRIX standard
  • Sourced from community groups at a fair prices to ensure livelihood support
  • Ideal as a topping, for baking, as a sweetener and so much more
  • Health Benefits include as per Sri Lankan Ayurveda: Boosts energy, fights weight gain, controls blood pressure, helps relieve migraine, improves digestive health and improves respiratory health
  • Available in Retail and Bulk packs. Inquire now
  • International Shipping Available
Gluten Free
Natural
Eco Friendly

Description

Hey there, sugar lovers! Are you tired of the sneaky dangers of refined sugars lurking in our diets? Well, fear not! Our journey to discover healthier sweeteners has led us to an exciting new player at the sweet table – Kithul!

Now, let me introduce you to Kithul, also known as the Fishtail Palm. This majestic palm tree can be found all over Sri Lanka and its sweet nectar has been a staple in Ayurveda practices for centuries. Move over coconut treacle, because Kithul Treacle is here to steal the show!

But hold on, folks. The process of obtaining this delectable treat is no walk in the park. Picture this: brave tappers scaling these towering trees at dawn, traversing thick jungles and using ropes and crude devices (sometimes even dangerously) to collect that precious sap. Talk about dedication! The art of Kithul remains deeply rooted in tradition and ritual.

And here’s another interesting tidbit – there are no Kithul plantations like we have with coconuts or tea. Only a few lucky trees grow in currently organic certified lands, making Kithul Treacle a rare find indeed. Who would’ve thought that something so natural and organic could be so elusive?

Now, brace yourselves for the mystery behind Kithul Treacle. The region where the tree grows, the age of the tree, the maturity of the flower – all these factors contribute to its unique flavor profile. It’s like solving a delicious puzzle! Thanks to dedicated community groups supported by government organizations, some standards have been set for this syrupy wonder. And guess what? Goodfolks Kithul Treacle comes straight from one of these amazing communities nestled in the Singharaja Rain Forest foothills.

So why settle for ordinary when you can indulge in the extraordinary sweetness of Kithul Treacle? Give your taste buds a treat and embrace the wonders of this rare Sri Lankan gem. Happy sipping, my friends!

How Kithul maybe Good for you

In Ayurveda, Kithul Treacle is valued for its therapeutic properties and is considered to be beneficial for health when consumed in moderation.

Sourya (Sun Energy): In Ayurveda, the Kithul Palm tree is often associated with the element of fire and are considered to harness the energy of the sun. As a result, Kithul treacle is believed to possess warming properties, which can help balance Vata and Kapha doshas, particularly during colder seasons or climates.

Sweet Taste (Madhura Rasa): Kithul treacle has a naturally sweet taste, which is associated with the Madhura rasa (sweet taste) in Ayurveda. Consuming foods with a sweet taste is said to nourish the body, provide energy, and promote satisfaction and contentment when consumed in moderation.

Balancing Pitta Dosha: Pitta dosha governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation in the body, and excessive heat or imbalance in Pitta can lead to issues such as inflammation, acidity, and skin problems. Kithul treacle may help pacify Pitta dosha when consumed in moderation.

Prana Vata (Life Energy): Kithul treacle is believed to contain vital nutrients and minerals that support overall vitality and well-being. In Ayurveda, foods that nourish Prana Vata, the subdosha responsible for the flow of life energy, are considered essential for maintaining vitality, strength, and immunity.

Moderate Glycemic Index: Kithul treacle typically has a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugars, which means it may cause a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to manage blood sugar levels and support overall health.

From a scientific point of view, we can highlight the following purported health benefits (although there have been very few studies done).

Rich in Nutrients: Kithul treacle is believed to be rich in various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamins B and C. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being. (Source: Traditional knowledge and cultural importance of Kithul (Caryota urens) palm sugar in Sri Lanka – A review, Perera, D. R. K. (2017).)

Low Glycemic Index: Kithul treacle typically has a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugars. This means it may cause a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for those managing their blood sugar levels. (Source: Glycemic index of single and mixed meal foods among common dietary sources of Sri Lankan meals, Kariyawasam, S., & Wijesekara, D. W. (2019).)

Antioxidant Properties: The natural sugars and minerals present in Kithul treacle may contribute to its antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Antioxidants are associated with reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. (Source: Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of sweeteners, Sangronis, E., & Machado, C. J. (2010).)

Digestive Health: Kithul treacle contains natural sugars and prebiotic fibers, which may support digestive health by promoting regularity, aiding in the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and reducing the risk of digestive issues such as constipation and bloating. (Source: Prebiotics: concept, properties and beneficial effects, Sangronis, E., & Machado, C. J. (2008).)

Energy Boost: Kithul treacle contains natural sugars, including glucose and fructose, which provide a quick source of energy. Consuming kithul treacle in moderation may help boost energy levels and combat fatigue. (Source: Role of carbohydrates in the anabolic response of skeletal muscle to exercise, Beelen, M., Burke, L. M., Gibala, M. J., & van Loon, L. J. (2010).)

Product Specifications

 

MOQ:1 Bottle
Available in:350ml, 500ml
Package type:Glass bottle
Also available:N/A
Price per bottle:For retail prices, please check with your local vendor. Email us for bulk order prices and packaging options.
Nett weight: Multiple volume options available
Gross weight See above
Origin:Made in Sri Lanka
Type: Branded
Private Labelling:N/A
Custom Sizes:Available
Brandname: Goodfolks
Handling type:Depending on what channel you order from

Orders from Goodfolks website are subject to special offers and our environmentally friendly Scheduled Delivery services.

Ingredients:Natural Kithul Treacle from multiple regions in Sri Lanka
Region Nutrition Information:See package
Colour of product:Dark brown
Product Grade: N/A
Max Moisture: N/A
Shelf Life:12 months
Directions for storage:Store in cool dry place (at room temperature) to avoid affecting taste and consistency
Directions for use:Use without contaminating. Use as recommended.
Special Notes:None
Why GoodfolksOur Goodfolks Makeover process ensures local products are upgraded to international quality, leading to higher value and returns to our local communities. Goodfolks is not a profit centric business but a community focused platform that seeks to empower and uplift all stakeholders.
Goodfolks Reassurance:Minimum waste packaging

Produced to organic, sustainable and ethical standards

Impact

Community

A Kithul tapper, starts his day early, making his way to the Kithul Palm trees in the darkness of dawn. They then brave all sorts of dangers to reach the top of the palm tree and make incisions on the blossom from which the nectar starts secreting. This sweet nectar is collected into a clay pot. Herbs and spices are used to increase the yield of each blossom. The clay pots are then carried, often by hand to where they are processed. This is usually the Kithul tapper’s own home and the laborious task of heating the sap into the treacle happens on an open fire. This is an extremely traditional method and one that encompasses a lot of wisdom passed down the ages. Wisdom that brings about the perfect taste, colour and quality. Sadly though the people behind this gorgeous syrup only make a pittance and most tappers involved in the industry have been moving out of it for reasons such as dwindling income and lack of support.

Founder Dinesh Gratian Perera with farmer
Founder Dinesh Gratian Perera with farmer

Goodfolks and a few other companies have taken on the task to bring these stories alive and give back these people the attention and support they need. One of the first considerations is to pay a value that is suited for the amount of hard work they put in. Because large scale manufacturers have over time, sold adulterated products as Kithul, consumers are shocked at the price of genuine Kithul Treacle. Our aim is to establish Kithul Treacle as an indulgence than a cheap commodity. We also work to modernise and add hygiene factors to the manufacturing process. These include using stainless steel utensils and following GMP standards. In addition to that we provide safety equipment, torches to move around the darkness and communication tools.

The right price, support to engage in the right manufacturing practices and establishing new markets are helping us, Goodfolks and other social enterprises, breathe in a new lease of life to the art that is Kithul Treacle.

Environment

As demand and value for Kithul Treacle grows, it creates a case for preserving natural forests in which these trees strive. Kithul Palm trees are also a favorite of the Sri Lankan bee. Most importantly this is not a plantation crop, and as such helps preserve the concept of home gardens and natural forests.

Kithul Tree (Caryota Urens)
Kithul Tree (Caryota Urens)

 

Product

Kithul Treacle in its purest form is not suited for long journeys. They can in fact continue to ferment and go bad. However when made to the standards approved by the Sri Lanka government, they can have a shelf life of 12 months. This is achieved by stabilizing the product with sugar and water. Water and sugar is added to Goodfolks Kithul Treacle as per the recommended BRIX index score. As such you can be assured that Goodfolks Kithul Treacle is the purest possible.

And further, all processing happens at a GMP Certified facility using stainless steel equipment. Thereby minimizing contamination from unsafe utensils such as aluminum

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