Context:

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

More on the News:

• This application was spearheaded by the All Goa Baker’s and Confectioners Association, with the Department of Science, Technology, and Waste Management of the Government of Goa facilitating the process.
• Last year, Goa got a GI tag for Bebinca.

What is a GI Tag?

• A GI tag (Geographical Indication tag) signifies a product with a specific geographical origin.
• The product's qualities, reputation, or characteristics are essentially due to that place.

Key Points:

• Registration & Protection: GI tags are granted by the Geographical Indications Registry.
• It Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999 in India.
• This registry falls under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks which is overseen by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Examples: Darjeeling Tea, Kanchipuram Silk, Alphonso Mango (all GI-tagged products).

Benefits:

• Protects reputation and quality of Indian products.
• Promotes economic development of production regions.
• Empowers producers & prevents imitation.
• Informs consumers about authenticity.

What is Dodol?

• Dodol is a classic Goan sweet often compared to Bebinca, known as the ‘Queen of Goan desserts’. 
• It has a dark brownish hue and a firm, jelly-like texture. The key ingredients include rice flour, coconut milk, and black palm jaggery.
• Originally, Dodol was prepared by Christian households during Christmas for ‘consoada’ (confectioneries sent to relatives and neighbors). 
• Over time, it has become an integral part of Goa’s diverse culinary history. 
• Beyond Goa, variations of Dodol are popular in southern India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

The History and Significance of Dodol in Goa

• The origins of Dodol are a subject of debate. Some scholars suggest that a traditional version of the sweet was served in royal banquets in the Medang Kingdom of Indonesia between the 8th and 11th centuries. 
• Another theory points to a variation of Dodol originating during Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia in the early 20th century. In Goa, it is believed that Dodol was introduced during the Portuguese rule in the 17th century.
• The GI tag application filed by the Goa government mentions that a common belief among Goan households is that a Catholic woman must take back Dodol and bananas as “voje” (gift) when she returns to her husband’s house after the birth of her first child. This tradition underscores the cultural significance of Dodol in Goan society.
• The application also describes the unique flavor profile of Dodol, highlighting the sweet taste of Goan pyramid jaggery and the creamy texture of fresh coconut milk. 
• It notes that Dodol is traditionally prepared in a large cauldron called ‘kail,’ which is often part of a dowry. 
• There is also a custom that if one borrows a ‘kail,’ it must be returned with Dodol as a gesture of gratitude.