Udupi mattu gulla facts for kids
Udupi Mattu Gulla, also called Udupi Matti Gulla, is a special kind of green brinjal (also known as eggplant). It grows mainly in and around a village called Matti (or Mattu) in Udupi, India. This unique vegetable received a special tag called a Geographical Indication (GI) in 2011. This tag means it's famous for coming from a specific place and having special qualities because of that place.
What is Mattu Gulla?
Mattu Gulla is a green, round vegetable, much like a small ball. The word "Gulla" actually means "round" in the local language. Unlike most brinjals that are purple, Mattu Gulla stands out with its bright green color. It's a seasonal vegetable, meaning it only grows at certain times of the year. Farmers plant it after the rainy season, usually in September and October.
Why is it Special?
This brinjal is known for its amazing and unique taste. It doesn't have much water inside, which helps give it a distinct flavor. Mattu Gulla is a very important ingredient in Udupi cuisine, especially in a popular dish called sambar. People in Udupi love to use it in their cooking.
Where Does It Grow?
Mattu Gulla has been grown in Matti village for about 400 years! There's even a story that links its beginning to a wise person named Sri Vadiraja Tirtha from Udupi. It used to grow over a large area of more than 500 acres, between two rivers, Udyavar and Swarna. Besides Matti, it also grows in nearby villages like Pangala, Kopla, and Kaipunjal. The soil where it grows is made rich with a special kind of fertilizer that includes fish meal.
Challenges for Mattu Gulla
In recent years, it has become harder to grow as much Mattu Gulla as before. Farmers have faced problems like pests (tiny bugs that harm plants) attacking the crops. Also, new types of brinjals, like Bt brinjal, have become available. These challenges have caused the amount of Mattu Gulla grown to decrease. For example, in 2015, it was grown on about 67 hectares of land, and farmers harvested around 40 tonnes (which is 40,000 kilograms) from each hectare.
