Khasi Mandarin is a commercially grown variety of mandarin orange in north eastern states especially Meghalaya. It is well known for its quality among the consumers of the region. Khasi mandarin (Soh Sohniamtra in Khasi languages spoken in Meghalaya) is a little bigger than a tennis ball in size.
The fruits are globose to oblate with smooth surface. The colour varies from orange-yellow to bright orange. It is distinguished from other mandarins by its tight and smooth skin. Unlike other mandarins, it is not easy to peel, but has more flesh and juice. Once peeled and cut, it releases its sweet, aromatic juice, which makes the Khasi mandarin a favourite amongst all the oranges.
Khasi mandarin orange belongs to the Family Rutaceae, Genus Citrus and the Species is reticulata. The Scientific name of the Khasi Mandarin is Citrusreticulata Blanco.
The fruit consists of three layers:
- The outer yellow/orange peel is with oil glands which exude the essential oils, producing the typical orange odour.
- The whitish thread like mesocarp.
- The endocarp consisting of 8 - 10 segments filled with juice sacs (vesicles).
The season of harvesting Khasi mandarin in Meghalaya starts from November to February and method of harvesting is hand picking. It loses quality and rind puffs if not picked when ripe. Tree is commonly vigorous and distinctive in appearance because of pronounced upright growth habit.
Mandarin is very important fruit crop, second only to banana. Mandarins are rich in Ascorbic acid (13 – 54 mg per 100 g of edible portion) and Calcium (25 – 46 mg per 100 g of edible portion). They are a great source of Vitamin C. It is usually consumed in raw form or in fruit salads as well as juice.
GI Tag Registration Date : 27 March 2015
GI Tag Number : 465
Certificate Number : 231
Geographical Area : Meghalaya
Special Cover Release Date : 13 August 2021
Cancellation : Shillong 793 001
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : NE/01/2021-2022
Enlarged View of Illustration
No comments:
Post a Comment