Mahua (Madhuca indica J. F.Mel syn Madhuca latifolia Macb.) is a common tree in deciduous forests ofIndia, quite prominent in states of Andhra Pardesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka,Madhya Pradesh., Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Mahua flowersare in dense fascicles near end of the branches having 1.5 cm long fleshy creamcoloured corolla tube and are scented. Flowering period of Mahua is from the monthof March to May.
As for liquor, mahua is asacred drink for adivasis, and one of the world's best when distilled properly.Mahua flowers are rich in sugar (68-72%), in addition to a number of mineralsand one of the most important raw materials for alcohol fermentation. Thepresent investigation was for the development of a non-distilled alcoholicbeverage from Mahua flowers.