Kerala’s five agricultural products get GI Tag

Source: The post is based on the article “Kerala’s five agricultural products get GI Tag” published in The Hindu on 17th December 2022

What is the News?

Five agricultural products of Kerala have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status.

Which are the five products from Kerala that have received GI Tag?

Attappady Attukombu Avara

It is a bean cultivated in the Attappady region of Palakkad. It is curved like a goat’s horn as its name indicates.

Characteristics: Its higher anthocyanin content compared to other dolichos beans imparts violet colour in the stem and fruits. 

Benefits: Anthocyanin is helpful against cardiovascular diseases along with its anti-diabetic properties. Other than this, calcium, protein, and fibre content are also high. The higher phenolic content also imparts resistance against pests and diseases making the crop suitable for organic cultivation.

Attappady Thuvara

It is a red gram having seeds with a white coat. Compared to other red grams, its seeds are bigger and have higher seed weights.

It is used as a vegetable and dal. It is rich in protein, carbohydrates, fibre, calcium and magnesium.

Kanthalloor-Vattavada Veluthulli

It is garlic. It is produced in areas from the Kanthalloor-Vattavada area of Devikulam block panchayat in Idukki.

It contains a higher amount of sulphides, flavonoids, and proteins. It is rich in allicin, which is effective against microbial infections, blood sugar, cancer, cholesterol, heart diseases, and damage to blood vessels. The garlic cultivated in this area is also rich in essential oil.

Onattukara Ellu

It is a sesame oil famous for its unique health benefits. It has a relatively higher antioxidant content which helps in fighting the free radicals that destroy the body cells. Also, the high content of unsaturated fat makes it beneficial for heart patients.

Kodungalloor Pottuvellari 

It is a snap melon cultivated in Kodungalloor and parts of Ernakulam. It is consumed as juice and in other forms. 

It is harvested in summer and is excellent for quenching thirst. It contains high amounts of Vitamin C. Compared to other cucurbits, nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, fibre and fat content are also high in this.