What is Panneer Thiratchai?

About Panneer Thiratchai:

• It is a grape variety mainly cultivated in the Cumbum valley of Tamil Nadu. A unique factor about ‘panneer’ grapes is that, these are harvested all through the year as against only during January and April in the rest of India.
• It is extremely popular among farmers because of quick growth and early maturity. The grapes grown are suitable for making wine, spirit, jams, canned grape juice and raisins.
• These grapes are rich in vitamins, tartaric acid and antioxidants and reduce the risk of some chronic diseases. They are also known for a superior taste apart from the purplish-brown colour. It has received Geographical Indication Tag in 2023.

Key facts about the Cumbum valley:

• It is located at the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu is known as the ‘Grapes city of South India’ and cultivates the Panneer Thratchai.
• This variety which is also known as Muscat Hamburg constitutes almost 85% of the grape-growing areas in Tamil Nadu.