Guwahati, Mar 11: The Northeast is not just home to some mesmerising landscapes, but is also boasts about a vibrant culinary scene, and several rich traditions. Home to some unique and exhaustive fruits and vegetables, nature has blessed the region with green abundance.

The region’s culinary scene boasts of having some of the unique fruits and vegetables that are grown and found only in this part of the country and at the heart of this gastronomic heritage lies Kaji Nemu (Citrus limon)- a prized produce from Assam.

Also called as Assam Lemon, Kaji Nemu is the state fruit of Assam, and it is characterised by its elongated shape and vibrant aroma. This citrus genius holds a special place in Assamese cuisine. The lemon, which is indigenous to Assam, is primarily used in enhancing dishes such as pickles, chutneys, and marinades.

Kaji Nemu, beyond its culinary applications, is also celebrated for its antioxidant properties and health benefits. Affirming its unique identity linked to its geographical origin, the Assam government in 2018 applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kaji Nemu.

Because of a diligent persuasion by the Assam government, Kaji Nemu was granted GI tag in 2019 and in February 2024, the Assam government declared Kaji Nemu as the state fruit of Assam.

The GI tag recognition not only carved the authenticity of Kaji Nemu, but it also enhanced its marketability- thus benefiting local farmers. The recognition has also promoted the sustainable agricultural practices of state fruit of Assam, making it a highly sought after product- not just by locals but also by those who are outside from the state. And today, tonnes of Kaji Nemu are exported outside of the state and to places like London and the UAE.

Meanwhile, the usage of this gastronomical delight from Assam has not just remained confined within the traditional Assamese culinary, as it has also been able to make a breakthrough in the liquor industry as it has gone on to become one of the prime ingredients in Eastern Craft Cherrapunji Gin- a gift from Northeast India to the world.

Because of its unique citrus taste and a pleasing aroma, and their desire to represent the authentic, indigenous and unique flavours of the Northeast, the makers of Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin went ahead with the incorporation of Kaji Nemu into its formulation. The selection also highlighted the makers’ broader strategy to source the native botanical ingredients of the northeast which ensured that the gin embodies the region’s diverse terroir.

Much like to its Assam counterpart, the Khasi Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)- the citrus jewel of Meghalaya, is celebrated for its perfect balance of sweetness and tang, as well as its rich nutritional value.

This distinctive variety of mandarin oranges holds significant cultural and economic importance in the region- especially in Meghalaya the state where it is primarily grown.

The fruit is locally called as Soh Niamtra or Soh Myntra, and its size is slightly larger than a tennis ball. The aromatic fruit has a unique flavour due to its terroir.

For its rich and unique taste and recognising the fruit’s unique qualities and the need to protect its heritage, the government of Meghalaya initiated efforts for securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the Khasi mandarin. These efforts yielded fruits when in 2014 the state government’s application was accepted and the Khasi Mandarin was granted the GI tag, affirming its association with Meghalaya and ensuring its authenticity in the market.

After receiving GI tag recognition, there has been a surge in the export of the Khasi Mandarin oranges and today, these oranges are extensively exported to the Middle East, especially Dubai.

The increase in exports has helped local farmers connect with global markets and strengthen the region’s economy. These exports are made possible through several Public-Prive-Partnerships at the initiative of the government of the Meghalaya.

These oranges have rich sugar content, making it ideal for producing various processed products such as marmalades, bottled and canned juices, squashes, jams, and jellies. The fruit is also rich in bioactive compounds, and it offers numerous health benefits.

Much like Kaji Nemu, the Khasi Mandarin has also managed to barge into the formulation of the Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin. The incorporation intertwined local heritage with the art of distillation, which resulted in the production of a spirit that is both distinctive and evocative of its origin.

These two botanicals native not only impart unique flavours to the gin but also underscore the brand’s commitment to celebrating local heritage, setting it apart in the global gin market. Their inclusion also honours the efforts of both state governments of Assam and Meghalaya that was put in for achieving the GI tag recognition.

Because of this thoughtful curation of traditional ingredients, Cherrapunji Gin has been able to position as a trailblazer in the craft gin market, winning numerous awards globally and making it India’s most globally awarded gin.

Beating out over 110 brands from 55 different countries, Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin won the “Master 2023” award at the Spirits Business Awards in London- which was the first time that a spirit from the Northeast India won an international award.

The Meghalaya made gin also won a gold medal at the Gin Masters competition in London. This award is given to gins that demonstrate exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

It also won silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Award; silver at World Gin Awards 2014; gold at Global Travel Retail Masters Award 2024 and bronze at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024 among others.

With its mission to make craft spirit for the palate and the planet, the Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin’s journey is poised to achieve even greater heights as it aims to solidify its position in the global market soon.

Read: Academic sessions to begin at Mahendraganj & Mawphlang Science and Commerce Colleges soon: Conrad

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