With 5.2% Protein & 19.4% Vitamin C, Telangana’s Balanagar Custard Apple May Soon Get A GI Tag

The process to seek Geographical Indication (GI) registration for the world-renowned Balanagar custard apple variety in Telangana is underway. A field study was recently conducted in Mahabubnagar district and a team of experts visited the custard apple fields in Pomal, Kollur, and Kesharavalpalli Kothapalli villages of the district to examine the fruit.

Telangana’s Balanagar Custard Apple May Get GI Tag

According to The Siasat Daily, a team from Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University has started an in-depth field study to secure a GI tag for the Balanagar custard apple. This fruit variety is renowned for its large size, exceptional sweetness, and nutrient-dense pulp, and has been around for more than six decades.

For this field study, they came together with GI facilitator Subhajit Saha, NABARD officials, and local farmer leaders. They visited several villages in Mahabubnagar district, where the fruit is primarily grown, and examined how the fruit is grown. The university has already applied for GI tag recognition. They are now compiling a comprehensive scientific report, including DNA analysis and historical evidence, to substantiate the application.

If all things go as planned, then Balanagar will be the first custard apple variety in South India to receive a GI tag. According to experts, this will enhance farmers’ earnings, create job opportunities in rural areas, and drive economic growth in local villages.

Also Read: From Nolen Gur Sandesh To Bishnupur’s Motichoor Laddoo, 7 Items From West Bengal Get GI Tag

All You Need To Know About This Fruit

What really makes the Balanagar custard apple stand out is its adaptability, high yield potential, and exceptional nutritional profile. The fruit is highly nutritional and surpasses most of the other varieties of custard apples. Here are some characteristics of this fruit –

1. The pulp of Balanagar custard apple is sugar-like sweet, thanks to the soil in the region. It contains 26.22% total sugars and 28% total soluble solids.
2. Reportedly, it has 5.2% protein.
3. It also has 19.4% vitamin C.
4. The fruit is a good source of Vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron as well.

Also Read: Threads Of Tradition: Andhra Pradesh’s 19th Century Narasapur Crochet Gets GI Tag, Here’s All About It

Have you ever tried a Balanagar custard apple? Let us know in the comments.

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