When a product receives a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, it means that only producers or manufacturers from that specific geographical area are legally allowed to use the product’s name or label it. And it’s good news for many indigenous products. Recently, Goa’s famous dessert Bebinca and Mankurad mangoes received Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.
Bebinca And Mankurad Mangoes Are Now GI-Tagged
Rumour has it that #Bebinca was invented by a nun with a knack for baking, named Sister Bibiona. But here's the twist: unlike other desserts, Bebinca is all about zero-waste baking goals and those golden yolks. Grab your slice of #Goanbliss!
Explore more https://t.co/M8BgkwiZT2 pic.twitter.com/HWRK2eJ9in
— Incredible!ndia (@incredibleindia) June 17, 2023
A geographical indicator (GI) registration is valid for 10 years and may be periodically renewed for additional periods of 10 years each.
The All Goa Mango Growers Association, Panaji, submitted the application for the mankurad mango. Other names for this mango variety include corado, malcorada, and Goa mankur. The Portuguese gave the fruit the name malcorada, which translates as “poorly coloured,” and over time it took on the Konkani name mankurad aamo (mango).
The Association of Goa Bakers and Confectioners submitted the application for the Goan bebinca. Bebinca, a classic Indo-Portuguese custard, is frequently referred to as the ‘queen of Goan desserts’.
Additionally, five others received GI tags in July 2023. These include the metal craft “Jalesar Dhatu Shilp,” the metal craft “Udaipur Koftgari,” the craft “Bikaner Kashidakari,” the craft “Jodhpur Bandhej,” and the craft “Bikaner Usta Kala”
Also Read: Paan-tastic News! Banarasi Paan Finally Gets Special GI Tag
More Products From Goa Have Received GI-Tags
Bebinca is a well-known Goan dessert. It is a traditional Goan layered cake having simple ingredients like eggs, coconut milk, sugar, flour, and ghee. The dessert has a unique taste and texture, with the richness of coconut and ghee combined with the sweetness of sugar, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. It is usually served warm and is best enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of honey.
One of the well-known mango varieties from Goa is the “Mankurad” mango. The Mankurad mango is popular for its sweetness and distinct flavour, making it a sought-after fruit in the local and regional markets. After a two-year effort, these mangoes got GI-tagged.
Moreover, the state also got Agsechi Vayingim (Brinjals from Agasaim) and Sat Shiro Bheno (Lady Finger) GI-tagged. With this, there are now nine products from the state with GI tags in total. Prior to this, the GI designation has already been assigned to five products. These are Feni, Khola Chilli, Harmal Chilli, Myndoli Banana, and Goan Khaje.
So, which of these products have you tasted before?
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons