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For the unversed, geographical indication or GI tag is awarded to products that have been originated in a specific geographical location and possess qualities, reputation and other salient features owing to that origin. It is a part of intellectual property rights which is used majorly for agricultural products handicrafts, food, drinks and industrial products. This premium tag is given to a product to safeguard its originality and boost its worth through recognition.
The first item which obtained and earned the GI tag was Darjeeling tea. As of now, over 300 items (majorly the handicraft goods and food products) have been provided the GI tags. Here, we will tell you about 5 such unique edible products that got the GI tag. Read on to know.
Mysore Betel Leaf
By now, you must have already imagined some paan waale bhaiya. Yes, this is that paan ka patta. This heart-shaped leaf is known for its hot flavor and soft texture that it gets only when grown in Mysore. The black soil and moderate rainfall in the region do the trick. Betel leaf won’t taste the same (in fact it would have pungent smell) if grown anywhere else. In addition, This humble leaf is a rich source of some essential nutrients including vitamin C, calcium, and B vitamins.
Goa’s Cashew Feni
You must be thinking what is this name, cashew feni? Well, if you empty a bottle of this liquor, you will get froth which is also called ‘feni’ in the local Konkani language and hence the name. Feni is produced through distillation process. It is delivered during second or third distillate and boasts of a strong fruity flavor. Its taste and astringent smell make it earn the status of country liquor. You can find the original feni only in Goa or its nearby Union Territory of Daman.
Tirupati’s Popular Laddu
Also known as Srivari laddu, this sweet meat is offered as Naivedhyam at Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh. You won’t find a laddu as rich and as tasty as the ones served at the Sri Venkateswara temple. It is rich in ghee and dry fuits. Each of the laddus you can find here is hand shaped by kitchen workers. The GI tag given to this prasadam prevents exploiting the name attached to it for black marketing and generating revenue.
Monsooned Malabar Coffee
‘Monsooning’ introduced us to this mustier flavoured coffee. Unique to the Malabar coast, this coffee is prepared by exposing high-grade beans spread out in a warehouse with cemented floor and well-ventilation.The rain-bearing winds from the Arabian Sea triggers fermentation and that leads to swelling of these beans and we get out high in demand Malabar coffee.
Naga Mirch
Who is not aware of the Naga’s love for chillies and spicy foods? If you think you like spicy, try Naga mirch and then talk to us. Your level of tolerating spiciness must be nowhere to that of the local people of Nagaland. They are used to and very fond of the excruciating slow burn. Naga mirch is one of the world’s spiciest chillies. It is mostly used for giving a spicy kick to dried fish or meat. Naga mirch is known to have a high level of capsaicin because of which it gets its spiciness. It is also the reason why the spice is used for making medicines, skin ointment, balms etc. Naga mirch also acts as a pest-repellent and has anti-venom properties.
Now that you know what GI tag is and some unique foods that have earned it, would you like to try any of these? We definitely will!
