Lotoko
Encyclopedia
Lotoko, also known by the slang term "pétrole", is a home-distilled alcoholic drink or "moonshine
" in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
.
Lotoko is usually made from maize
, but sometimes made from cassava
, or plantain
. Heads of corn are cut up and boiled into a mash which is then fermented and distilled using improvised stills made from cut down oil drums. Because of the woody core of the cobs of corn, the alcohol produced contains high levels of methanol
which is toxic.
Although it is officially banned, because of its high alcohol content (over 50%), its production is widespread in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lotoko made from cassava or plantains doesn't carry the same methanol risk.
Lotoko production is very low-tech, being run as a cottage industry. It provides its mainly female producers with a degree of financial independence.
Local NGOs have expressed concern as to its health effects in the communities of Kinshasa
, where it costs 200 to 300 FC, compared to 600 FC for commercially brewed beers.
Lotoko is a Lingala word and is known country-wide.
Moonshine
Moonshine is an illegally produced distilled beverage...
" in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a state located in Central Africa. It is the second largest country in Africa by area and the eleventh largest in the world...
.
Lotoko is usually made from maize
Maize
Maize known in many English-speaking countries as corn or mielie/mealie, is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain, maize kernels are used in cooking as a vegetable...
, but sometimes made from cassava
Cassava
Cassava , also called yuca or manioc, a woody shrub of the Euphorbiaceae native to South America, is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates...
, or plantain
Plantain
Plantain is the common name for herbaceous plants of the genus Musa. The fruit they produce is generally used for cooking, in contrast to the soft, sweet banana...
. Heads of corn are cut up and boiled into a mash which is then fermented and distilled using improvised stills made from cut down oil drums. Because of the woody core of the cobs of corn, the alcohol produced contains high levels of methanol
Methanol
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits, is a chemical with the formula CH3OH . It is the simplest alcohol, and is a light, volatile, colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor very similar to, but slightly sweeter than, ethanol...
which is toxic.
Although it is officially banned, because of its high alcohol content (over 50%), its production is widespread in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lotoko made from cassava or plantains doesn't carry the same methanol risk.
Lotoko production is very low-tech, being run as a cottage industry. It provides its mainly female producers with a degree of financial independence.
Local NGOs have expressed concern as to its health effects in the communities of Kinshasa
Kinshasa
Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The city is located on the Congo River....
, where it costs 200 to 300 FC, compared to 600 FC for commercially brewed beers.
Lotoko is a Lingala word and is known country-wide.