Source : https://artsandculture.google.com/story/khasi-mandarin-slow-food/PwVBwYGswQwA8A?hl=en
History and Background
Meghalaya is famous for its exotic flora and fauna. The much-renowned Khasi Mandarin, also called “The King of Oranges,” is grown exclusively in this state. In an extremely hot region with chalky soil, the trees thrive on steep slopes. However, since the villages are situated at the bottom of these narrow valleys, the locals must trek across anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 stone steps carrying the baskets of Khasi mandarins.
Although grown on both the northern and southern belts, the ones cultivated in the southern slopes of the Khasi Hills are the most popular for their distinctive taste and sweetness. Cultivation of this unique fruit has contributed heavily to the socio-economic development of Meghalaya. The product received the Geographical Indication Tag (GI) in 2014.
Features
- The mandarins are a little larger than a tennis ball.
- They have a bright orange colour.
- They are hard to peel due to their firm skin and are full of aromatic juice.
- Khasi mandarin has a distinct taste and is rich in sugar content, making it ideal for preparing jams, jellies, squashes, and ready-to-drink juice.
Cultivation
Over 10,000 hectares of land are used to grow oranges, with a yearly production of about 50,000 metric tonnes. Traditionally, the fruits are picked between November and February. The villagers harvest the mandarins with care and without causing any damage by using a woven bamboo instrument. The locals also use their own saplings; after the mandarin seeds sprout, the saplings grow side by side for about four years before being separated and then transplanted.
The fruit trees in this region are not gathered by grafting like other varieties but rather by seed. Only the healthiest saplings are planted, and only the seeds from the hardiest plants are used. Citrus trees can be propagated without losing the original traits of the tree and its fruit since the seed’s creation is still so distinct. The trees take a long time to bear fruit but are remarkably adept at adjusting to the local soil and climate. In September, the fruits typically begin to ripen as the temperature starts to fall.
Every village has a unique method for storing the fruit after harvest; some put it in sand pits, and others put it on the hearth’s hood. This helps preserve the mandarins’ quality until March and possibly even April. The farmers trek the gruelling distance on foot to the adjacent settlements of Mawphu, Tmar, Pyndengmawlieh, and Nongnah to sell their produce throughout November.
Uses
- Mandarin trees have flowers that provide sweet nectar for the local bees.
- Khasi Mandarin is known for its high nutritional value.
- It is believed to have the ability to calm angry people, and hence it is gifted to make up for offenses.
- The fruit consists of bioactive compounds that offers several health benefits, and therefore, the fruits are used to treat colds and constipation.
- Ayurvedic medications are made using the fruit, peel, pulp, bark, flowers, and seeds.
- To ward off vermin and moths, orange peels are stored in the cabinets.
- In the kitchens, peels are used to start woodfires.
Future
Citrus fruit demand is still quite strong today, but poor tree management results in a yearly decline in quality. In the fields, trees are frequently overpopulated and occasionally planted alongside unsuitable income crops like beetle nut.
The city of Shillong recently had a regular event to showcase the enormous diversity of oranges from the northeast. Since it consistently took home the top prize on taste and appearance, this has helped to promote the distinctive Khasi Mandarin. Through tissue culture, numerous efforts have been made to preserve the genetic purity of the Khasi mandarin. The Department of Horticulture’s assistance allows saplings produced from these tissue cultures to be offered for reasonable prices as well.
References
https://artsandculture.google.com/story/khasi-mandarin-slow-food/PwVBwYGswQwA8A?hl=en
