North Africa · Drink
Lagbi (Fresh Sweet Date Palm Sap)
An unfermented, naturally sweet elixir extracted from Libyan oasis date palms, chilled and infused with crushed mint and sweet lemon.
The story
Harvested at dawn across the date palm groves of the Fezzan and Ghadames oases, Lagbi is an ancient, refreshing desert beverage celebrated during the scorching spring and summer months. Traditionally tapped by master climbers who score the crown of male date palms, the nectar drips overnight into earthenware vessels before the desert heat triggers rapid natural fermentation. In southern Libyan culture, fresh, unfermented sweet Lagbi (Lagbi Helou) is drunk immediately at sunrise to replenish electrolytes and minerals after arduous desert travel.
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