Vellore Spiny brinjal is a popular, native vegetable crop in Vellore and so named after it. The term "Spiny" is used as this brinjal variety is easily identifiable due to its distinctive thorns.[4]
Local name
It is locally known as 'Elavambadi Mullu Kathrikai' (Tamil: எலவம்பாடி முள்ளு கத்திரிகை) in the local state language of Tamil.[5] This name refers to the village of its origin, Elavambadi, and literally translates to "thorny brinjal" (Mullu: thorns, Kathrikai: brinjal).[6]
This variety has an oval shape with a glossy violet shade mixed with pink color, white stripes, and a green tinge. It has a soft and fleshy texture with few seeds, and an average weight of 40 grams.
Cultivation
This variety is primarily grown in the Vellore district and is suitable for cultivation in three seasons: Kharif, Rabi, and summer. It is tolerant of drought and high temperatures.
Culinary Uses
This variety can be prepared in various ways, including baking, barbecuing, frying, roasting, steaming, and pickling. It is suitable for making side dishes like Talsa for Biryani, Brinjal Serwa, Sambar, Vathalkuzhambu, Poriyal, and evening snacks.
Unique Features
Thorns are present on all parts of the plant, except the actual brinjal crop. The thorns require skilled farmers for harvesting. Despite the thorny plant, the brinjal has a soft and fleshy texture.
Photo Gallery
Actual photos provided by SIMCO, located at Vellore - the original applicants for the Geographical Indication Tag.
I P.Krishnan from SIMCO supervising Vellore Spiny Brinjal crops
Vellore Spiny Brinjal crop in the field from Elavambadi village
Closeup of freshly harvested Vellore Spiny Brinjal
Freshly harvested Vellore Spiny Brinjals
Another photo of freshly harvested Vellore Spiny Brinjals
South India Multi State Agriculture Cooperative Society Limited from Vellore, proposed the GI registration of Vellore Spiny brinjal. After filing the application in October 2021, the Brinjal was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Vellore Spiny brinjal" exclusive to the Brinjal grown in the region. It thus became the first brinjal variety from Tamil Nadu and the 46th type of goods from Tamil Nadu to earn the GI tag.[4]
The GI tag protects the brinjal from illegal selling and marketing, and gives it legal protection and a unique identity.
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