Milton’s Lemon and Coconut Juice
For 30 years, Milton has been working on the streets of Salvador, always dreaming of having his own business. He started by selling water in small plastic bags at Boa Viagem Beach. Later, he moved on to selling coffee in the Calçada neighborhood and then started selling snacks with juices in Baixa dos Sapateiros and Pelourinho in the Historic Center. However, as the cost of raw materials increased, and the profitability decreased, Milton saw an opportunity in the lime and lemon juices he had already been selling with the snacks. He decided to focus solely on selling juices. The customers started calling him “suco de lima” (lime juice) due to the delicious lime juice he prepared. First, it was lime and lemon juice, and later he added coconut water to the lemon juice. The lemon and coconut juice came from an experiment. Since Milton had digestive problems and frequent heartburn, one day he decided to mix lemon juice with coconut water and experienced immediate relief, not to mention the discovery of a new flavor. He decided to take this mixture to the streets, and the customers loved it. He continued selling this innovation until one day, by chance, he mixed lemon juice with dried coconut, and the public loved it too. They said, “This is the one!” The lemon juice was already great, but with the coconut, it became even better. Fifteen years ago, Milton carried only two thermos bottles and moved around the Pelourinho region. Due to the increasing demand, he built his own cart, which he has used for over ten years. His advertising is done by guides who know him and have made him a gastronomic attraction for tourists in Salvador. It’s worth noting that the name of his beverage is written in seven languages on his cart (Japanese, Chinese, English, French, Polish, Russian, and German). He offers over 100 free tastings per day in 50ml cups. Sr. Milton goes to the São Joaquim market once or twice a week to buy all the products needed to make the juice. Initially, he prepared everything at home, but five years ago, he rented a space in a mini shopping center in Baixa dos Sapateiros, where he prepares the juice and keeps the cart. He arrives at 9 AM to prepare the drinks and at 11 AM moves to the Pelourinho square. On the way, he is helped by car guards to carry his cart because, besides the weight, the stone slope of the Pelourinho square is very steep. Concerned with specialization, Milton took courses at SENAC and UFBA (Federal University of Bahia). The price of his juice ranges from R$ 3.00 (200ml) to R$ 5.00 (400ml).
Where and When?
Pelourinho Square
Monday to Saturday:
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact
Insta: @sucodelimaocomcocooficial
Phone: (71) 3011-0767
Photos: Emerson Santos e Neto de Oliveira/ Text: Emerson Santos