These GI Tags of Goa represent the agricultural diversity of the state

Goa has several products that have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, reflecting their unique qualities tied to the region's geography and heritage. While most of the products represent the rich agricultural diversity of Goa some highlight the cultural significance and traditional methods of production unique to the region. Here are the notable GI Tags of Goa. 

1. Goan Cashew

Goan Cashew or as famously known Kernel in Goa, is one of the most renowned food items of Goa. It has received the GI Tag for its regional identity. 

Know the background

Cashews or kaju as we call it in Hindi are believed to be native to Brazil and brought by the Portuguese to India in the 16th century. It is believed that they planted cashew trees to prevent soil erosion but little did they know that the Indian soil would be suitable for cashews to grow. In fact, it was better than Brazil and India is one of the highest producers of cashews in the world. 

Received the GI Tag in: 2023

2. Goan Khaje

Khaje is a fried sweet made from chickpeas, ginger and jaggery. They are small finger-sized sweets prepared in chickpeas flour, deep fried and tossed in melted jaggery, infused with Ginger Juice and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Know the background

It is believed that this sweet was prepared and served during the Swadeshi movement. In order to promote the Swadeshi movement, the Goan people who were influenced by Gandhiji gave the devotees of the village gods the 'Gandhi Khaje' sweets as prasad.

Received the GI Tag in: 2020

3. Goan Bebinca

This delicacy is famously regarded as the 'Queen of Goan Sweets.' Its main ingredients are flour, sugar, coconut milk, egg yolks, and nutmeg. Traditionally, Bebinca is baked layer after layer for hours together. A unique two-compartment earthen oven, fired by red-hot coconut charcoals placed in the upper compartment, is used for baking the Bebinca layers placed in the lower compartment. The coconut milk, caramelised sugar, flour, and smoke produce distinct layers.

Know the background

It is believed that this sweet was first made by a nun called Bebiana in the Convent of Santa Monica in old Goa, who baked layers “to symbolise the seven hills of Lisbon and the old city of Goa”. The priests liked her creation and suggested to add more layers.

Received the GI Tag in: 2023

4. Cashew Feni

Cashew feni is a triple-distilled traditional liquor made with cashew fruits and is famous for its production in Goa. In 2016, the State Government classified the Goan cashew feni as the ‘Heritage Spirit of Goa’, further giving it its unique identity. 

Know the background

As said above, cashews were introduced to Goa by the Portuguese. It is believed that the localities started preparing a local tipple or fermented brew which is famous by the name ‘feni,’ deriving its name from the Sanskrit term ‘phena’ which means froth, thanks to the bubbles that form a light froth when Feni is shaken in a bottle or poured into a glass. It is said that the farmers or the cashew apple pickers started preparing this drink in 1740 CE with the leftover cashew apples by the Portuguese and soon it became a popular practice. 

Received the GI Tag in: 2009

5. Harmal Chilli

The Harmal Chilli stands out among other chillies available in Goa due to its unique qualities that are not found in any other chillies grown in the state.

Know the background

This chilli gets its name from the village where it is majorly produced. People of the Harmal village have been cultivating these chillies for years and each household was involved in Harmal Chilli cultivation in a traditional way back then. 

Received the GI Tag in: 2020

6. Khola Chilli

Khola Chilli is another type of chilli grown in Goa and known for its distinctive taste and flavour. They are attractive brilliant red and long.

Know the background

Also known as Canacona Chilli, it is grown on the hill slopes of Canacona, located in the district of South Goa and named after the village of Khola where it is exclusively grown. It is widely believed that this chilli has been cultivated in this village for at least 120 to 150 years if not more.

Received the GI Tag in: 2020

7. Myndoli Banana

Myndoli Banan also known as Moira bananas are notable for their large size and unique taste. These bananas are often used in desserts made in the state. 

Know the background

Traditionally grown in villages of Pernem, Bardez and Bicholim Taluka, it is believed that these bananas first existed or were introduced in Moira village, hence deriving the name from the area of origin. 

Received the GI Tag in: 2020

8. Mankurad Mango

It is a premium mango variety renowned for its sweetness and rich flavour, but its smaller size and flat shape is native to Goa. 

Know the background 

Originally known as 'malcorado,' meaning 'poor colour' in Portuguese, this variety of mangoes gradually evolved in name to become 'mankurad' over time.

Received the GI Tag in: 2023

9. Agasaim Brinjal

Agasaim Brinjal is a specific type of brinjal (eggplant) from Agasaim in Goa, known for its taste and texture.

Know the background

The Agassaim variety of the brinjal is a preferred vegetable for cultivation in the village. It is different from the normal brinjals and is preferred for its higher amount of flesh, fewer seeds and bigger size. It is the most common tropical vegetable grown in the village fields and spotted in the markets and roadside. 

Received the GI Tag in: 2023

10. Sat Shiro Bheno - Seven-sided Ladyfinger

Sat Shiro Bheno (Sat Shirancho Bhendo) also known as Okra is a vegetable crop of Goa. Because of its premium seven-ridged, light green, and long length, Sat Shiro Bheno is well recognised and has secured the GI Tag. 

Know the background

Received the GI Tag in: 2023