Srivilliputtur Palkova

Srivilliputtur Palkova is a rich milk sweet from the temple town of Srivilliputtur in Virudhunagar district, prepared by slowly reducing pure cow's milk until it thickens into a soft, grainy mass. Fresh milk is simmered for hours over a steady flame with constant stirring, and as it condenses it develops a characteristic grainy texture, deep flavour and light caramel colour, sometimes lightly sweetened with sugar. The town's dairy-rich hinterland and its association with the Andal temple made palkova a famous local speciality and temple offering. Sold fresh at shops around the temple, it is bought by pilgrims and travellers as a beloved regional sweet. The trade sustains many dairy farmers and sweet-makers in and around Srivilliputtur and has made the town's name synonymous with quality palkova.