Dodol the Goan sweet vying for a GI tag

Context

  • Recently, the Goa government formally applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the Goan sweet called Dodol.

What is Dodol?

  • Dodol is a classic Goan sweet that is often called a cousin of Bebinca, the ‘Queen of Goan desserts’. Dodol
  • Dark brownish in colour, it is made using rice flour, coconut milk and black palm jaggery, and has a firm, jelly-like texture.
  • For preparing Dodol, a mixture of rice flour, coconut milk and black palm jaggery is cooked in a copper vessel on a slow fire and stirred continuously with a wooden ladle.
  • Once ready, the mixture is poured into a vessel greased with ghee and flattened with banana leaves.
  • After letting it cool down, it is cut into thin slices.
  • Dodol is unique in Goa because of the ingredients and method of preparation.
  • During the entire cooking process, it must be constantly stirred, otherwise it burns.
  • Historically, it was prepared by Christian households during Christmas for ‘consoada’ (confectionaries sent to relatives and neighbours).
  • Over time, apart from festivities, Dodol has become a quintessential part of Goa’s multi-cultural culinary history.
  • Dodol and its variations are also popular in southern India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of Southeast Asia.
  • Aligned with various cultures, both Bebinca and Dodol share Goan-Portuguese history and have travelled to various South Asian countries transforming themselves into different forms.
  • Some scholars claim a traditional version of the sweet was served in the royal banquets in the Medang Kingdom of Indonesia between the 8th and 11th centuries.
  • Another variation of Dodol likely originated in the early 20th century when Indonesia was under Dutch colonial rule. In Goa, it is believed that the sweet was introduced during Portuguese rule in the coastal state during the 17th century.

How would a GI tag help?

  • A GI tag is conferred upon products originating from a specific geographical region and signifying unique characteristics and qualities.
  • It serves as a trademark in the international market, protecting the creators from impersonation and helping the customers purchase authentic items.

Source: IE

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