OnTap Magazine

Tsikwe with Phaswane (L), Monica Phala (R) and Phala's granddaughter MEET A HOMEBREWER The marula tree has been providing food, medicine, fuel–and yes!–beer to humans for a very long time. In fact, archaeologists argue that the marula tree was a source of nutrition as long ago as 10,000 years BCE. In this interview,Tsikwe Molobye speaks with Phaswane Enica Phala, a woman from Limpopo who makes “marula beer,” and in so doing, continues a tradition that is likely to be thousands of years old. TSIKWE MOLOBYE The marula is just one of those quintessentially African fruits. It comes bursting with distinct sweet and tart flavours and unique aromas that can only be found in this particular fruit. It's this uniqueness that makes the very popular Amarula Liquor one of South Africa's proud exports. The marula tree is a significant one in many African cultures as it is viewed to be sacred in most tribes, and is respected for its medicinal properties. This seasonal fruit is also known as "nature’s bar” as even wildlife such as elephants, monkeys and warthogs are said to get "drunk” after gorging themselves on the marula. I took a trip to Limpopo to learn the art of making the perfect "marula beer" and met Miss Phaswane Enica Phala, a very friendly, soft spoken, yet proud Mopedi woman who was happy to welcome us and show us around her traditional home brewery. (This interview has been translated from Sepedi.) TM: How long have you been brewingmarula beer? PP: I have been brewing this seasonal brew for 35 years now. It is a beer we brew once a year and every time we do so it is a special moment. TM: How does it make you feel knowing that this is a brew exported to other countries in the form of a liquor called Amarula? PP: I am not surprised that other countries enjoy it and are interested in our brews. Africa has a lot to offer. TM: To you, why is marula important? PP: It is very important as it is part of our culture and heritage– our "setso.” It is also important in areas where the tree grows naturally, or wild, without being taken care of but can provide 44 | Winter 2023 | ontapmag.co.za