Authoor Betel Leaves Get GI Tag

CHENNAI, (IANS) – Authoor betel leaves from Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district recently received a Geographical Indication (GI) certificate.

The betel leaves commonly known as ‘Vettrilai’ have been mentioned in the 13th-century book of Marco Polo, ‘The Venetian.’

Several ancient stone inscriptions reveal the archaic richness and significance of Authoor Vettrilai in Tamil culture.

It is mostly used in special occasions like temple festivals, housewarming, and weddings. The spicy and pungent leaf is extremely unique and is specifically found in the village of Authoor. Vetrilai can be translated as paan in Hindi and tambulam in Sanskrit.

The Authoor betel leaf has lengthy stalks and is available in three different varieties: nattukodi, karpoori, and pachaikodi.

Nattukodi leaves are small, dark green in color, and have a spicy and strong taste. They are also used in traditional medicine.

Pachaikodi leaves are larger in size than Nattukodi leaves and have a fresh and minty flavor.

Karpoori leaves have medicinal properties, light green color, and a camphor-like unique flavor.

Unlike other betel leaves that last for a maximum of five to six days, Authoor betel leaves have a shelf life of up to 10 days.