GI tagged foods of Tamil Nadu
GI — Geographical Indication — is a name or sign used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin.
Everyone like food and snacks. Especially we like to taste the food from it’s origin location. For example, eating a Pizza in a famous food chain will be no way near to a traditional Italian restaurant in Italy.
But how we can assure the restaurant is authentic and traditional? GI tags are the best friend here.
In India, all the GI tagged products are listed in this site. And the product label should have the GI tag logo.
In this story, we are going to look at such unique traditional foods from Tamil Nadu which received GI tag from CGPDTM.
There are 6 foods got GI tag in Tamil Nadu.
- Palani Panchamirtham
- Srivilliputtur Palkova
- Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai
- Manapparai Murukku
- Ooty Varkey
- Salem Javvarisi(Sago)
Bold represents the location and the rest is the food name.
Palani Panchamirtham
Palani Panchamirtam is the oldest form of jam or fruit mix and preserves very well, even for months. And the saying is that ‘the olden it is, it tastes better’. It is made of banana, jaggary, ghee, honey and green cardomon. For additional taste, they add dates and sugar candy. A temple called Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thirukkoil is making this Panchamirtham. The bananas from Sirumalai and Virupakshi malai are used which gives uniqueness to this Panchamirtham.
Click here to see the full GI tag details and authorized seller of Palani Panchamirtham
Srivilliputtur Palkova
Srivilliputtur Palkova is a milk based sweet which is enriched with pure milk. There is are two official society called Srivilliputur Milk Producers Co-Operative Society and Rajapalayam Co-Operative Milk Producers Society making this palkova and they making more than 75 years. Even now, they are making in the olden traditional way with wood fire stove.
Click here to see the full GI tag details of Srivilliputtur Palkova
Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai
Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai is made from good quality roasted peanuts and jaggery. Kovilpatti has a official association called Kovilpatti Regional Kadalaimittai Manufacturers and Retailers Association for making kadalai mittai and they also have a logo. So, to buy original Kovilpatti kadalai mittai you should check both the association logo and the GI tag logo. Peanuts from Kazhuku malai, Arupukottai and other surrounding villages are used in the making and it has a unique rich sweetness. Still they are following the olden traditional way with wood fire stove and some latest equiments to make the progress quick.
Click here to see the full GI tag details and authorized sellers of Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai
Click here to buy from one of a GI authorized seller of Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai
Manapparai Murukku
Murukku is a deep-fried savory snack that literally means “twisted”. It has a association called Manapparai Muruku Thyarippalar Mattrum Virpanayalarkal Sangam. Manapparai Murukku is made out of a thick dough of rice flour, urad dal, salt and spices, the bite-sized snack gets its distinctive crunch due to its double-frying.
Click here to see the full GI tag details
Ooty Varkey
Ooty Varkey is a special crispy snack that made from a unique blend of ingredients that includes wheat flour, salt, sugar, vanaspati, ghee, vegetable oil, water, and mava. Mava is made of banana, rawa, maida, and sugar. It has a association called Ooty Varkey Producers Welfare Association.
Click here to see the full GI tag details
Salem Javvarisi(Sago)
Javvarisi is a pearl-white product made from raw tapiocas, appearing as small hard globules or pearls. It has a association called as The Salem Starch and Sago Manufactures Service Industrial Co-operative Society Limited.
Click here to see the full GI tag details
