Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri Kokum

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Sindhudurg & Ratnagiri Kokum (रत्नागिरी आणि सिंधुदुर्ग कोकम)
Geographical indication
DescriptionKokum variety grown in Maharashtra, India
TypeKokum
AreaSindhudurg & Ratnagiri districts
CountryIndia
Registered31 March 2016
Official website ipindia.gov.in

The Sindhudurg & Ratnagiri Kokum (scientifically known as Garcinia indica) is a traditional fruit cultivated in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This variety is grown in abundance in Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts located in the coastal Konkan belt of the Western Ghats. [1] [2]

Contents

Under its Geographical Indication tag, it is referred to as "Sindhudurg & Ratnagiri Kokum". [1] [3]

Name

The name "Sindhudurg & Ratnagiri" refers to its main region of cultivation.

Description

Dried Kokum rinds (dried outer skin of the Kokum fruit) used in Dried Baby Shrimp (Jawla) Curry Dried Kokum rinds (dried outer skin of the Kokum fruit) used in Dried Baby Shrimp (Jawla) Curry.jpg
Dried Kokum rinds (dried outer skin of the Kokum fruit) used in Dried Baby Shrimp (Jawla) Curry

Kokum grown in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts is known for its exceptional taste. This fruit has numerous medicinal applications, particularly in Ayurvedic medicines and cosmetics. Its value-added products, such as Lonawale kokum, kokum seed, and kokum butter, are in high demand. It is naturally rich in hydroxycitric acid helpful in weight-loss tablets. [4]

Kokum is a staple ingredient in regional cuisines, especially in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and southern states. Its souring qualities make it an excellent substitute for tamarind, enhancing coconut-based curries, vegetable dishes, and fish curries. As a key ingredient in Konkani cuisine, Kokum is used in various forms, including chutneys, pickles, and as a whole ingredient in dishes. [1]

Geographical indication

It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry, under the Union Government of India, on 31 March 2016. [5]

Sindhudurg Ratnagiri Mahakokum Sanstha from Malvan, proposed the GI registration of Sindhudurg & Ratnagiri Kokum. After filing the application in March 2014, the Kokum was granted the GI tag in 2016 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Sindhudurg & Ratnagiri Kokum" exclusive to the Kokum grown in the region. It thus became the first Kokum variety from India and the 13th type of goods from Maharashtra to earn the GI tag. [6] [7]

The prestigious GI tag, awarded by the GI registry, certifies that a product possesses distinct qualities, adheres to traditional production methods, and has earned a reputation rooted in its geographical origin.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Sindhudurg & Ratnagiri Kokum" (PDF). Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  2. ↑ Ravindran, P. N.; Sivaraman, K.; Devasahayam, S.; Babu, K. Nirmal (2024). Handbook of Spices in India: 75 Years of Research and Development. Springer Nature. ISBN   978-981-19-3728-6 . Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  3. ↑ "Details | Geographical Indications | Intellectual Property India". Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  4. ↑ "GI tag conserves fragrance, rich taste of Maharashtra's 7 agri products". The Times of India. 1 April 2016. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  5. ↑ "Seven agriculture products get GI tag". The Times of India. 4 June 2016. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
  6. ↑ "Geographical Indications". Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
  7. ↑ Bhattacharya, Niharika Sahoo (13 September 2022). Geographical Indication Protection in India: The Evolving Paradigm. Springer Nature. ISBN   978-981-19-4296-9 . Retrieved 8 February 2025.
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