GI Tagged Foods From Northeast

19 Dec,2023

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The famous black rice of Manipur was once known as the “forbidden rice” because it was once reserved for the Chinese Emperor, to ensure his health and longevity. It is generally served on special occasions and festive events. After cooking, it is said that the black hue turns purple and it has a slightly nutty flavour..

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Manipuri Chak Hao

Very few people may have heard about this variety of chilli, but it is one of the hottest in the world. Only half an inch in size, the colour of the chillies changes from green to red when it ripens.

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Mizo Bird’s Eye Chili

Boka saul or ‘mud rice’ is one of the most well-loved rice varieties in Assam, and its most unique feature is that it requires absolutely no cooking. You can soak it in hot water for about 15 mins or in cold water for an hour, and it is ready.

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Assamese Boka Saul

The Kachai village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district is famous for a lemon variety known as Kachai Champra (Champra means lemon).ss

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Manipuri Kachai Lemon

In Nagaland, this fruit is known as ‘Sei Bangenuo’, and according to food historian and TV producer Ruchi Shrivastava, it has been grown and consumed by the people of Nagaland and their forefathers for generations.

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Nagaland Tree Tomato

This golden yellow fruit with a sweet taste and a distinct aroma like no other was declared as the ‘State Fruit’ by President Ram Nath Kovind in June 2018. The state now exports this variety to places like Dubai and Bangladesh.

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Tripura’s Queen Pineapple

The organic ginger grown in the picturesque hill district of Karbi Anglong is wildly acclaimed across the world for its taste and quality. There are two varieties that are grown in the region—‘Nadia’ which is high in fibre while ‘Aizol’ which is not very fibrous. 

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Karbi Anglong Ginger

Litchis from this city of Assam are known for their delightful natural sweetness and the fleshy, juicy texture. There are about five popular varieties of litchi grown here, namely the Bombaiya, Piyajee, Bilatee, Desi, and Elachi. 

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Tezpur Litchi

This variety of oranges are cultivated only in the state of Meghalaya and have a deliciously sweet and citrusy taste. According to local belief, the aromatic fruit has the ability to dispel anger and is given as a present to make up for offences.

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Khasi Mandarin

This might come as a surprise, but the elaichi that you have been using to flavour your sweets, chai, and biryani could have very well been grown in Sikkim. About 86 per cent of the nation’s cardamom grows here. Most of it is organically grown, and cardamom cultivation brings in significant revenue for the state’s farmers.

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Sikkim Large Cardamom