Drinks
Tumunu (Traditional Fermented Bush Beer)
Ingredients
- - 2 litres (8 cups) water
- - 200g sugar
- - Peel of 2 oranges
- - 1 tbsp hops (or substitute a small piece of fresh ginger for a non-alcoholic version)
- - 1 tsp active dry yeast
Method
- Warm the water slightly and dissolve the sugar into it in a large fermentation vessel.
- Add the orange peel and hops (or ginger).
- Sprinkle the yeast over the surface once the liquid has cooled to lukewarm.
- Cover loosely with a clean cloth and leave in a warm spot to ferment for 3-5 days, stirring once daily.
- Strain out the solids once the drink has developed a mildly tangy, effervescent character.
- Serve chilled in a communal bowl, traditionally shared using a single cup passed around the circle.
Introduction: Tumunu refers both to a traditional fermented drink made from ingredients such as orange peel, hops and sugar, and to the communal drinking circles named after the hollowed tree-stump vessels once used to brew it.
Cultural Background: Tumunu refers both to a traditional fermented drink made from ingredients such as orange peel, hops and sugar, and to the communal drinking circles named after the hollowed tree-stump vessels once used to brew it. Historically associated with village social life on Atiu and other islands, tumunu remains an important part of Cook Islands cultural heritage.
Tips: Taste daily from day 3 onward; fermentation time varies with room temperature.
Variations: A non-alcoholic version omits the yeast and simply infuses the orange peel and ginger in the sweetened water overnight. Naturally vegan.
Storage: Refrigerate the strained drink and consume within 3 days as fermentation will continue.
Reheating: Served cold or at room temperature; not reheated.
Nutrition: Approx. 60 kcal per 250ml serving (fermented version); varies with fermentation time.
FAQs
Q: Is tumunu alcoholic?
A: The traditional fermented version develops a mild alcohol content through natural fermentation; a non-alcoholic infused version can also be made.
Q: What is the cultural significance of tumunu?
A: Tumunu circles were traditionally social gatherings where the drink was shared communally from a single cup, particularly on the island of Atiu.