Chin Choeun spends nearly 12 hours a day collecting sap from palm trees that he and his wife turn into palm sugar. The 54-year-old boasts of being one of Cambodia’s most skilful palm tree climbers, having learned the skill from his father. But after 36 years scaling tree after tree, Choeun plans to retire in the next couple of years, because of age-related safety concerns.
“It was a job that I took over from my father. It was his legacy, and I don’t want it to end because of me. but I know that it will be over after me,” Choeun said. The job is not appealing to his sons and grandsons because it is both hard work and it is dangerous.
. . .
“I regret that my sons and grandsons cannot succeed me, but I respect their decision,” said Choeun, who has four children and 10 grandchildren.
A climber cuts into the stump that holds the fruit and ties it with a bamboo container to let the sap collect overnight. The next morning, another climb is made to collect the sap. This is then cooked in a giant pot and slowly kneaded with a wooden stick until it thickens.
Sounds a bit like making maple syrup. I wonder how Palm Syrup tastes?
Linked at the Pirate's Cove in the weekly Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup and links. The Wombat has Rule 5 Sunday: Blast From The Past up and ready for your digital pleasure.
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And some bonus Christina LionsCat
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