On September 2, 2026, The India Center and the Fulbright Association, Mid-Florida Chapter hosted a lecture titled “Exploring Indian Food History: The Tradition and Culture of Goan Feni.” The event featured Devon Newhouse, Ph.D., a historian of science, food and the environment, and a member of The Fulbright Association, Mid-Florida Chapter. The talk was moderated by Ty Matejowsky, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at UCF.

The History of Goan Feni

Drawing on research in India and Goa, Newhouse examined the history of Goan feni, a distilled spirit made from fermented juice of the cashew apple. Through the story of feni, she highlighted the centuries of cultural exchange that have shaped Goan cuisine and culture.
Goan feni holds a unique distinction as the first alcoholic beverage in India to receive Geographical Indication (GI) status,
recognizing its regional heritage and traditional production methods.

In Newhouse’s talk, she discussed how food is more than something to feed yourself; it has a rich history and culture behind it. She traced the origins of the cashew, which was introduced to India by the Portuguese from Brazil, and explained how Goans incorporated it into local cuisine and distilled it into feni. Newhouse also described the traditional production process, from harvesting and crushing cashew apples to extracting, fermenting and bottling the juice. Cashews were brought to India by the Portuguese from Brazil, where Goans incorporated the nut into daily cuisine and some Goans distilled cashews to make alcohol.

Research, Fulbright and Cultural Exchange

In addition to discussing the history of feni, Newhouse reflected on her research experience, which was supported by Fulbright and the American Institute of Indian Studies. She highlighted the role of international academic exchanges in advancing scholarship and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

The lecture concluded with an audience question-and-answer session moderated by Matejowsky, during which attendees engaged in discussions about Goan culture, food traditions, and the Fulbright experience.

Connecting India, Scholarship and Community

The India Center seeks to incubate ideas, research, and education on contemporary India. Collaborations with the Fulbright Association allow The India Center to host events like these. Newhouse’s work and insights offered a valuable opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to learn about the expansive history of Indian traditions. “The India Center is proud to partner with the Fulbright Association to bring engaging and globally relevant conversations to our campus and community,” shared Leila Chacko, Assistant Director of The India Center at UCF. “Dr. Newhouse’s presentation highlighted how the story of a single food tradition can reveal centuries of cultural exchange, innovation, and history.” Newhouse’s presentation offered attendees a deeper understanding of India’s rich cultural heritage while demonstrating how food traditions can illuminate broader historical, social, and global connections.