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Large, Seven-Ridged Okra from Goa Earns Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, Offering High Profits for Farmers Named Sat Shiro Bheno

Unique seven-ridged okra variety, Sat Shiro Bheno, hailing from Goa, admired for its impressive length, tender qualities, and adaptability in various dishes. Granted a GI tag in 2023, it embodies cultural, financial, and health importance, representing Goa's profound agricultural legacy and...

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Unique seven-ridged okra variety, Sat Shiro Bheno, recognized for its extraordinary length,...
Unique seven-ridged okra variety, Sat Shiro Bheno, recognized for its extraordinary length, delicate texture, and kitchen flexibility, has been given a GI tag in 2023. This okra variant holds profound cultural, economic, and health value, representing Goa's robust agricultural legacy and conventional farming techniques.

Large, Seven-Ridged Okra from Goa Earns Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, Offering High Profits for Farmers Named Sat Shiro Bheno

Awesome Okra with a Goan Flair

Meet Sat Shiro Bheno, the badass okra variety that rules Goa. Nicknamed Satpani due to its unique botanical behavior, this okra's seven-ridged pods and impressive length make it a beloved star in Goan agriculture and cuisine.

The Legendary Seventh Leaf Okra

The plant's first blossom typically appears before the seventh leaf, earning it the name Satpani. As it matures, so does the vegetable, revealing its seven pronounced ridges. This unique charactaristic results in the popular name, Sat Shiro Bheno, which translates to 'seven-headed okra.'

These pods are usually light green or yellow, sometimes spotted with brown along the ridges, and can grow up to a whopping 30 cm long—making it the longest okra variety found in Goa.

Stealing the Show in Goan Kitchens

In Goan kitchens, Sat Shiro Bheno shines not just for its distinct look, but for its ability to hold its shape during cooking—a quality essential for many traditional dishes. It features in a wide variety of preparations:

  • Bhendi Bhaji: This dish is simply sautéed with mustard seeds, onions, curry leaves, and grated coconut, letting the okra's natural flavor shine bright.
  • Bhendi Sasav: The okra takes on a tangy note in this mild coconut-based curry, infused with mustard seeds and tamarind.
  • Bharli Bhendi: Long pods are slit and stuffed with a spiced coconut or peanut mixture, then gently sautéed for a rich, savory taste.
  • Okra Chips and Seafood Pairings: You can also find it served as crispy okra chips or as an accompaniment to seafood, like prawns or fish, in coconut-based gravies—bringing together the best of coastal Goan cuisine.

Nutritional Prowess

Aside from being a kitchen star, Sat Shiro Bheno is a nutritional powerhouse. Its high fiber content promotes digestion, boosts gut health, aids in weight management, and supports cardiovascular wellness by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels. packed with vitamins A and C, it bolsters immunity, enhances skin health, supports strong hair growth, and helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels—making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Pro Tips:

  • For the best results, choose firm, bright pods when shopping.
  • Cut off the ends before cooking to prevent them from becoming too slimy.
  • Soak the okra in salted water for 30 minutes before cooking to further reduce slime.

The Saga of Sat Shiro Bheno

In 2023, Sat Shiro Bheno became the first crop from Goa to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, acknowledging its authenticity and uniqueness. This certification protects the variety's name and identity from misuse outside the region while validating and supporting traditional farming practices. As consumer awareness grows, this remarkable okra variety is finding a wider market, not just within India, but potentially on the international stage.

Sat Shiro Bheno is more than just a vegetable; it's a testament to Goa's rich biodiversity, a symbol of agricultural heritage, and a beacon of culinary pride. With the support of the GI tag and the commitment of local farmers, this extraordinary okra variety is poised to dominate dishes for generations to come.

Sources:

  • Lady Finger: Best Varieties of OKRA to Grow
  • Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: A Milestone for Goan Agriculture

The extraordinary Sat Shiro Bheno not only enriches Goan cuisine with its distinctive look and ability to hold its shape in various dishes like Bhendi Bhaji, Bhendi Sasav, Bharli Bhendi, and okra chips, but it also boasts a nutritional prowess that benefits one's digestion, cardiovascular wellness, and immunity. As a testament to Goa's rich biodiversity and agricultural heritage, this unique okra variety has recently been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, opening doors for its worldwide recognition.

Home-and-garden enthusiasts will appreciate the laws that have been put in place to protect and support traditional farming practices of crops like the Sat Shiro Bheno, while food-and-drink connoisseurs can look forward to this nutritional powerhouse becoming a staple in their lifestyle and meals.

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