Vellore Spiny brinjal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Vellore Spiny brinjal | |
|---|---|
| Geographical indication | |
 Close-up of an unplucked Vellore Spiny Brinjal in a field in Elavambadi village | |
| Alternative names | Elavambadi Mullu Kathrikai |
| Description | Brinjal variety cultivated in Tamil Nadu |
| Type | Agricultural |
| Area | Vellore |
| Country | India |
| Registered | 22 February 2023 |
| Official website | ipindia.gov.in |
Vellore Spiny brinjal is a variety of brinjal grown in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.[1] It originated as a tropical vegetable crop from the village of Elavambadi located in Vellore district. It is primarily cultivated in the Vellore district, specifically in the areas of Anaicut, Kaniyambadi, Gudiyatham, K. V. Uppam, Vellore, Katpadi, and Pernambut.[2] It was recognized as a unique Geographical Indication (GI) in February 2023 by the Government of India.[3]
Local name
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]
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]
Description
Some points about Vellore Spiny brinjal:[7]
Characteristics
- 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
Vellore Mullu Kathirikai Podi Curry
