Context:
The Assam government has announced that ‘Kaji Nemu’ (citrus lemon) has been recognized as the state fruit of Assam.
About Kaji Nemu:
- It is a tangy fruit native to the Assam state of India.
- Structure: It is oval and has thin and smooth skin.
- Color: Usually light green.
- Availability: It is grown in almost all the districts of Assam State, and it is available throughout the year.
- Recognition: It received a Geographic Identification tag in 2019.
Significance of Kaji Nemu:
- Support for Digestion: It has anti-inflammatory qualities. It contains a good quantity of fiber, which is essential for digestive health.
- Mineral-rich: It contains citric acid, malic acid, sucrose, reducing sugars, fats, essential oils, glucosides, pectin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B6, and it also helps to reduce cholesterol.
- Cultural and traditional relevance: It is a prevalent product in Assamese food, appearing in a range of cuisines such as pickles and curries.
- Antioxidant properties: It also includes antioxidants, which can help the body protect itself from free radicals. These antioxidants have the potential to protect the body’s cells from free radical damage.
- Growing International demand: Many farmers in Assam only grow kaji nemu, and demand is increasing worldwide, particularly in West Asia and the Middle East.”