Local handlooms, products, and dishes possess a rich documented history and legacy that predates them, and such is the case with the esteemed Srivilliputhur Palkova. Originating from Tamil Nadu, this renowned sweet crafted from cow milk and sugar has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai. The attribution of a GI tag signifies the product’s origin from a specific territory within India and underscores its unique characteristics and quality.
Srivilliputhur Palkova stands as a distinctive dessert, each iteration paying homage to the skill and dedication of its creators. As eloquently expressed by Béatrice Peltre, author of the esteemed food blog La Tartine Gourmande and American food writer, “Dessert is to a meal what a dress is to a woman.”
The production of Palkova is concentrated in and around the municipality of Srivilliputtur in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu. What distinguishes this Palkova is its exclusive utilisation of milk sourced solely from cows raised in the vicinity of Srivilliputhur. Situated amidst the Western Ghats, Srivilliputhur predominantly thrives on agriculture, with the local farmers nourishing their cattle on the lush grasslands along the Ghats. Upon tasting this delicacy, it often incites a lifelong craving, as aptly captured by Chef Edward Lee’s sentiment, “Dessert is like a feel-good song, and the best ones make you dance.”
These verdant pastures provide a nourishing diet for the cattle, resulting in the production of high-quality milk. This milk, renowned for its exceptional quality, is meticulously heated in robust iron vessels over wood stoves. The application of cashew skins aids in providing heat, and the milk is simmered until it attains a dense consistency, culminating in the creation of Palkova. The process entails slowly cooking fresh, creamy milk over a gentle flame for several hours until it transforms into a solid state. Subsequently, sugar is incorporated into the mixture and further cooked until it evolves into a luscious and creamy dessert. As an aficionado of desserts aptly remarked, “Dessert time is the sweetest hour of the day.”
The economy of Srivilliputhur flourishes with the influx of numerous devotees, both local and from distant locales, who pilgrimage to the revered Andal temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. As a customary practice, devotees procure Srivilliputtur Palkova as a souvenir upon departing from the temple. Undoubtedly, these actions are inspired by the sentiment encapsulated in the adage, “Dessert is like a hug that lasts longer,” succinctly encapsulating the essence of Palkova. For enthusiasts of traditional Indian sweets, Srivilliputhur Palkova presents an irresistible temptation. Its distinctive texture and flavor are bound to leave an indelible mark on one’s palate, evoking the sentiment articulated by Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, “Desserts are the punctuation marks of the meal.”
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