Marayoor Jaggery locally called as Marayoor sharkara is the unrefined, concentrated product of cane juice obtained from sugarcane grown in Marayoor and Kanthalloor panchayaths of Idukki District, Kerala. Cane Sugar is a traditional sweetening agent and is also used in Ayurveda medicines.
Marayoor Jaggery is produced in farm sheds from sugarcane juice extracted by crushing the cane in electric crushers, then evaporating the juice by boiling in big pans made of copper/ GI sheets, on country kilns using the sugarcane trash as the fuel.
The pan will be removed from the fire at a particular temperature (decided through manual testing using traditional knowledge) and then will be allowed to cool, to make Jaggery balls (unda), while hot, with hands.
In general Marayoor Jaggery is prepared in ball form (undasharkara) but, minor quantities, are also produced in powder and liquid forms. No natural or synthetic colouring agents and artificial sweetening agents are added in this Jaggery.
The colour is brown to dark brown. The Jaggery balls have medium hardness. Marayoor Jaggery is available in well dried form with firm consistency and non-sticky nature. It has characteristic taste and flavour. Non salty sweetness is the unique characteristic feature of this Jaggery. It is having less dirt and water insoluble matter.
The area of production of this Jaggery fall in the rain shadow region and the quality of Marayoor Jaggery is attributed to the low temperature prevailing in the area, soil characteristics, quality of water used for irrigation and Jaggery production, the traditional methods of production, and sugarcane varieties used in cultivation
Generally, Marayoor sharkara has a total sugar percentage of 77.8 to 96.5%, sucrose content of 63.0 to 80.0% and reducing sugar of 7.3 to 10.35%. High content of iron (11.0 - 26.0%), potassium, calcium and low content of sodium are other features of this Jaggery, adding to its nutritional benefits
It is believed that Marayoor Jaggery has medicinal properties. This Jaggery is used in the preparation of many Ayurvedic medicines. Famous Ayurveda medicine manufacturers in Kerala like Oushadi and Nagarjuna takes this Jaggery for the preparation of Ayurveda medicines.
It is also used for the preparation of unique sweet dishes in temples in Kerala. Jaggery in general contains natural phyto-chemicals, which activates the digestion and helps in correcting digestive problem. Use of Jaggery with black pepper increases appetite.
Jaggery contains many vitamins and minerals. High iron content in Jaggery is good for small school children. It is added in the preparation of medicines used for increasing haemoglobin level.
GI Tag Registration Date : 06 March 2019
GI Tag Number : 613
Certificate Number : 341
Geographical Area : Kerala
Special Cover Release Date : 31 August 2021
Cancellation : Maraiyur 685 620
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : KL-15/2021
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