Kenyans commonly use Muratina, an alcoholic beverage derived from the fermented sap of the Muratina tree (also known as the Meru oak or African ball-fern tree). To collect the sap, incisions are made in the tree’s trunk and the sap is allowed to drain into a collection vessel.
After a few days of fermentation, the sap becomes a mildly sour, mildly sweet, and mildly fizzy drink. Many communities in Kenya prepare Muratina but have different names for the resultant brew.
As an alcoholic beverage, Muratina is something to consider. Most commonly, it is served at celebrations, ceremonies, and rites, or at welcoming parties.
Recipe And Preparation Instructions For Muratina
Kiratina, from Muratina tree is used to aid in fermentation of honey to make Muratina. Muratina tree is widely spread in Kenya and has different names as per the different communities using it.
Here are the common names of the Muratina tree: English (Sausage tree); Giriama (Mobwoka); Kamba (Muatine); Kikuyu (Muratina); Kipsigis (Ratuinet); Luhya (Kumufunga); Luo (Yago); Maasai (Oldarpoi); Marakwet (Rotio); Meru (Muratina); Nandi (Ratinuet); Orma (Bogh); Pokomo (Mbwoka); Pokot (Roti); Rendile (Muun); Samburu (Imombi); Somali (Bukuraal); Swahili (Mwengea); Taita (Mwasina); Taveta (Mukisha); Tharaka (Muthigu);
Ingredients:
Muratina sap, water and honey (sugarcane juice, or industrial sugar can be used)
Instructions:
- Kiratina, the pod containing the seeds. Remove the outer cover of the pod.
- Kiratina and honey (sugarcane juice) water should be added to a big pot and mixed thoroughly.
- At this stage, cover the mixture in an airtight container. It should be left covered for 7 days to ferment.
- The fermentation process makes the mixture hot and releases gases. Ensure you vent the gases after every 2 days by opening and the closing the container.
- After fermentation, the bubbling will stop and the mixture will be ready to drink
- Open the container and sieve any objects in it like seeds. Leave it for a day to cool.
- Muratina can be chilled or served at room temperature.
- The Kiratina needs to be washed in running water and dried in sun for future use.
It doesn’t matter if you serve Muratina cold or warm. It’s versatile enough to make u tipsy after a few glasses.
When To Take Muratina?
Muratina beer was used in many cultures during traditional ceremonies. In many cultures, beer was part of the sacred sacrifices made to the Gods. it was used in cleansing ceremonies, traditional marriages, to celebrate birth of child, during initiation ceremonies and many other events.
Can I Legally Make Muratina Beer?
Kenya has laws that regulate the brewing and sale of traditional beer. one is not allowed to brew Muratina for sale without government license. Brewing for self consumption is however not restricted.
It’s important to be aware of any local laws and regulations pertaining to the production and consumption of Muratina to ensure compliance and safety, as these laws and regulations are often put in place to protect the public and ensure the food and beverage production is conducted in a sanitary manner.
It’s also crucial to follow proper sanitation and storage procedures when making Muratina or any other type of traditional homemade drink.
Importance Of Muratina Beer In Traditional Kikuyu Ceremonies
The Kikuyu are one of the largest ethnic groupings in Kenya, and their traditional drink, Muratina, has great cultural and social significance.
Consumption of Muratina is restricted to rites, celebrations, and ceremonies of a cultural or religious nature though unscrupulous traders have been making and selling the brew for profit leading to it being abused.
Muratina, for instance, is often served to guests during a traditional wedding as a gesture of hospitality and goodwill. As a sacrifice to the gods, it is also served at ritualistic religious gatherings.
Muratina is also utilized in traditional medicine, where it is thought to provide restorative and revitalizing effects on the body.
The Muratina tree has religious significance in both modern and traditional Kikuyu societies. Rituals and rites center around it because of the belief in its curative powers. Thus, the Muratina drink, which is derived from the tree’s sap, is not only spiritually significant but also delicious.
As a refreshing beverage and a symbol of tradition, hospitality, and community, Muratina plays a significant role in traditional Kikuyu culture.
