Udupi Mattu Gulla is a variety of green brinjal grown in and around the village of Mattu (also called Mattu), roughly 10 kilometers from the temple town of Udupi, Karnataka, India. It was given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2011.
Mattu Gulla is known for its unique round shape, glossy green skin, and tender flesh. It is also known for its sweet and nutty flavor. Mattu Gulla is grown in a specific geographical area with unique soil and climatic conditions. The brinjals are hand-picked and sun-dried.
Mattu Gulla is a popular ingredient in many South Indian dishes, such as sambar, rasam, and curry. It is also used in pickles and chutneys. Mattu Gulla is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
Cultivation
The traditional method of cultivation of the Udupi Mattu Gulla is as follows:
- Seed selection and preparation: The best quality seeds are selected from the previous year’s crop. The seeds are then soaked in water overnight to soften them.
- Sowing: The seeds are sown in seedbeds in the month of May or June. The seedbeds are prepared by mixing sand, manure, and soil in equal proportions. The seeds are sown about 1 cm deep and spaced about 2 cm apart.
- Transplanting: The seedlings are transplanted to the main field in the month of July or August. The seedlings are spaced about 60 cm apart in rows that are spaced about 90 cm apart.
- Manuring: The plants are manured with organic manure such as cow dung or compost. The manure is applied to the base of the plants in the month of September or October.
- Irrigation: The plants are irrigated regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
- Harvesting: The brinjals are harvested in the month of December or January. The brinjals are hand-picked and sun-dried.
- Drying: The brinjals are sun-dried for about 7-10 days, or until they are completely dry.
- Sorting and grading: The dried brinjals are sorted and graded based on their size and quality.
The traditional method of cultivation of Udupi Mattu Gulla is a complex and time-consuming process, but it is essential for producing the high-quality brinjals that are known for their unique flavor and texture.
Health Benefits:
Udupi mattu gulla has a number of health benefits, including:
- High in dietary fiber: Dietary fiber is essential for digestive health. It helps to keep the digestive system healthy and regular.
- Good source of vitamins and minerals: Udupi mattu gulla is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
- Low in calories and fat: Udupi mattu gulla is a low-calorie and low-fat food. It is a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udupi_mattu_gulla
- https://search.ipindia.gov.in/GIRPublic/Application/Details/199
- https://www.enidhi.net/2020/07/mattu-gulla-brinjal-udupis-gi-tagged.html
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mattu-gulla-vegetable-from-udupi-set-to-sail-abroad-in-2020/article30313238.ece
- https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2020/aug/30/history-as-an-entreacutee-the-story-of-udupi-brinjal-or-gulla-2189183.html
