Atreyapuram Pootharekulu, an iconic sweet from Andhra Pradesh, has recently earned the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag under Class 30. This certification not only honors its regional heritage but also protects its authenticity and ensures the survival of traditional craftsmanship. Known for its ultra-thin rice sheets, ghee, and sugary sweetness, Pootharekulu is more than just a dessert; it is a cultural emblem of Atreyapuram.
In this blog, we will delve into the significance of the GI tag, the process behind crafting the delicate rice sheets, and answer a vital question: is the GI tag for Pootharekulu or the rice sheet? Additionally, we are including downloadable resources—a PDF of the GI tag certification and the Journal of GI tag registration—so you can explore these critical aspects firsthand.
What is a GI Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag certifies that a product originates from a specific region and possesses unique qualities or a reputation tied to that area. The GI tag for Atreyapuram Pootharekulu, issued on December 13, 2021 under Registration No. 804, recognizes the intricate artistry involved in making the sweet. It was registered by the Sri Arthur Cotton Atreyapuram Pootharekulu Manufacturers Welfare Association, based in Atreyapuram, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh.
The GI tag plays a vital role in protecting the cultural and economic significance of traditional products. For Atreyapuram Pootharekulu, it ensures that only sweets made using the authentic process in Atreyapuram can carry this prestigious designation.
Is the GI Tag for Pootharekulu or the Rice Sheet?
A common question surrounding the GI certification is whether it applies to the entire Pootharekulu sweet or just the rice sheet. The answer lies in the production process.
The GI tag is awarded specifically for the Art of crafting the delicate rice sheet, not for the fillings like sugar, jaggery, or ghee. The rice sheet, made using a Heated inverted clay pot at temperatures exceeding 100°C, forms the foundation of Pootharekulu.
This unique process, perfected over generations, is what sets Atreyapuram Pootharekulu apart. The choice of fillings can vary, but the rice sheet remains the heart of the sweet, and the GI tag protects the traditional method of making it.
The Journey to the GI Tag
Securing the GI tag was no small feat. A dedicated team of artisans and community leaders from Atreyapuram, including Mr. Gadiraju Prasadraju,Who lead the team of Pootharekulu producers, traveled to Chennai Intellectual property India GI Tag office to Participle in the Panel discussion for issuing GI Tag to Atreyepauram Pootharekulu. Their commitment to preserving this artform culminated in the GI tag, bringing recognition to their labor of love.
This achievement safeguards the livelihood of Atreyapuram’s skilled artisans and ensures that the legacy of Pootharekulu continues to flourish.
The Art of Crafting the Delicate Rice Sheets
The hallmark of Atreyapuram Pootharekulu is its rice sheet, crafted through a meticulous and skill-intensive process:
- Selecting the Right Rice: Only specific rice varieties with high starch content are used. The rice is soaked and ground into a smooth batter.
- Preparing the Inverted Clay Pot: Known locally as kundalu, the pot is heated to the perfect temperature which is close to 100 degrees celsius to allow the batter to spread evenly.
- Dabbing the Rice Batter: A soft cotton cloth is dipped into the rice batter and gently dabbed onto the hot pot, forming an ultra-thin layer.
- Peeling Off the Sheet: Once cooked, the rice sheet is carefully peeled off and left to cool.
- Filling and Folding: The rice sheet is filled with powdered sugar or jaggery and layered with ghee before being folded into rolls.
This intricate process, recognized by the GI tag, is the essence of Atreyapuram Pootharekulu’s authenticity.
Fun Fact:
Did you know? Rice sheets can only be produced using black soil pots with a smooth surface
Why the GI Tag Matters
The GI tag not only protects Atreyapuram Pootharekulu from imitation but also highlights its cultural and economic importance. It assures consumers that they are purchasing an authentic product, crafted using time-honored techniques. For the artisans, the GI tag brings well-deserved recognition and helps sustain their traditional craft in the modern marketplace.
The Art of Making Pootharekulu: A Timeless Craft
Crafting Atreyapuram Pootharekulu is an art refined over generations. While the ingredients—rice, water, ghee, and sugar or jaggery—seem simple, the process of transforming them into delicate rice sheets is anything but.
Step 1: Selecting the Rice
It begins with selecting a specific variety of rice, known for its high starch content, ensuring the batter achieves the right consistency. The rice is soaked for hours and then ground into a fine, smooth paste and diluted with water.
Step 2: Preparing the Inverted Clay Pot
An inverted clay pot, locally called kundalu, is heated to temperatures exceeding 100°C. This pot is central to the process, providing the perfect surface for crafting ultra-thin sheets. Its natural surface prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Crafting the Rice Sheet
A cotton cloth dipped in the rice batter is gently dabbed onto the heated pot. The batter instantly cooks, forming a translucent sheet so thin it resembles paper. This step demands exceptional skill, as precision in the thickness and uniformity of the sheet is critical.
Step 4: Peeling the Rice Sheet
Once cooked, the sheet is carefully peeled from the pot—a delicate task requiring both experience and a gentle touch.
Step 5: Filling and Rolling
Finally, the sheets are layered with fillings of powdered sugar, jaggery, or ghee and folded into neat rolls, creating the iconic Pootharekulu.
Why Atreyapuram Pootharekulu Stands Apart
The unparalleled quality of Atreyapuram Pootharekulu stems not just from the technique but from the region’s natural bounty. Atreyapuram’s mineral-rich soil and the life-giving waters of the Godavari River contribute to the superior ingredients, especially the desi buffalo ghee that enhances the sweet’s richness and flavor.
The GI tag acknowledges these unique aspects, ensuring that the craft and culture surrounding Pootharekulu are preserved for future generations.
Fun Fact:
Did you know the key difference between Indian Rice Sheets and Vietnamese Rice Sheets?
Indian rice sheets, like those used in pootharekulu, are ultra-thin, fragile, and made for desserts by spreading rice flour batter on a hot surface. Vietnamese rice paper, made with rice flour, tapioca, and water, is thicker, versatile, and used for savory dishes like spring rolls. Atreyapuram Rice Sheets are made using a roasted process, while Vietnamese Rice Sheets are made using a steaming process.
A Legacy Worth Protecting
With the GI tag, Atreyapuram Pootharekulu is poised to gain even greater recognition. It safeguards the livelihood of artisans and ensures that the sweet’s reputation remains untarnished by imitations.
We at Fikanafoods.com are proud to carry forward this legacy. As custodians of the GI-tagged Atreyapuram Pootharekulu, we uphold the highest standards of authenticity and craftsmanship. Our media release images and the official GI certification stand as testaments to our commitment to preserving this heritage.
Experience the Authentic Taste of Tradition
When you savor Atreyapuram Pootharekulu, you’re not just enjoying a dessert—you’re partaking in a centuries-old tradition that blends artistry, culture, and flavor. As proud custodians of this legacy, we invite you to explore the world of GI-tagged Pootharekulu.
Order your pack today and experience the difference that heritage, authenticity, and craftsmanship bring to every bite.
This blog combines storytelling, detailed insights, and factual accuracy to engage readers while celebrating the rich history and artistry of Atreyapuram Pootharekulu.
View the GI Tag Certification and Journal
To provide full transparency and celebrate this achievement, we are sharing the official GI tag certification and the Journal of GI tag registration. These documents detail the registration process, including the exact specifications for the rice sheet and the history of this traditional sweet.
View Atreyapuram Pootharekulu GI Tag Certification
View Atreyapuram Pootharekulu Journal
Conclusion:
Atreyapuram Pootharekulu is not just a sweet—it is a legacy of artistry and culture. The GI tag recognizes the meticulous process of crafting the rice sheet and ensures that this traditional technique is preserved for generations.
By sharing the certification and the Journal of GI tag registration, we aim to promote greater awareness and appreciation for this iconic sweet. If you haven’t tasted the authentic Atreyapuram Pootharekulu yet, now is the time to savor a piece of Andhra Pradesh’s heritage.