Karpatti - The Healing Jaggery
Mysuru: A group of about 8 to 10 men from Tamil Nadu have been selling palm jaggery (Karpatti) at various junctions and places in Mysuru. They belong to Kayathar town in Thoothkudi district along the National Highway 7 between Tirunelveli and Kovilpatti. They have been selling ‘Panna Karpatti’ and 'Sukku Karpatti,’ which they prepare in their town and bring the finished products that are sold in Mysuru. Karpatti refers to the coarse dark sugar syrup that is extracted from palm trees. Just like the collection of Neera (toddy) from coconut tree, palm juice or palm sap is collected from palm trees using small pots, which is filtered and later boiled in a huge vessel for about two to three hours. With constant stirring, the syrup gets thicker and consistent. The syrup is then let to cool and is usually put in a mould to give it a shape. These people use broken or semi-circle shaped coconut shells that act as a mould for the palm jaggery. This can be used as a smart substitute for sugar which is devoid of any health benefits.
