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Coorg Orange, a GI tagged agricultural product of Karnataka

Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Agricultural · Karnataka

Coorg Orange

GI Registered Karnataka Agricultural
GI numberGI-18
Typical price₹80 - ₹200 per kg
Verified cooperativesCoorg Progressive Farmers Cooperative
StateKarnataka

About Coorg Orange

Coorg Orange, also called Kodagu mandarin, is a loose-skinned orange grown in the hills of Kodagu in Karnataka. The fruit is easy to peel and has a sweet-tangy flavour with a pleasant aroma. It is typically grown alongside coffee and pepper and harvested in the cooler months of the year, and it has long been a seasonal treat for visitors to the district.

Heritage and place

Oranges have grown in Kodagu for generations, and the crop became part of the district's agricultural identity next to coffee. The hill climate, with cool nights and monsoon rainfall, shapes the flavour and colour of the fruit. The GI is intended to give farmers an identity for the fruit and help consumers recognise oranges from the district instead of generic mandarins.

How it is made

Trees are typically grown on hill slopes under partial shade, often mixed with coffee and spices, and are managed by smallholders. Fruit is picked by hand when the colour and sweetness are right, then graded and packed for markets in Bengaluru, Mysuru and beyond. Because the fruit is delicate and the skin loose, careful handling matters to reduce damage during transport.

Registry record

Coorg Orange is listed in this catalogue as GI-18, a Geographical Indication tagged product of Karnataka in the agricultural category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.

◈ How to spot a fake Coorg Orange

What to check

Look for fruit that feels heavy for its size with skin that gives slightly when squeezed, which suggests juiciness. Colour can range from deep orange to green-tinged even when ripe. Buy during the local season, and be cautious about oranges sold outside it, as they may come from elsewhere. Buying from Kodagu growers or trusted local traders supports the farmers who maintain the tradition.

  • Distinctly loose jacket skin that peels effortlessly with a sweet-tart refreshing juice matrix; hybrid oranges have tight skins and blank sweetness.

Price to expect

Genuine Coorg Orange typically sells in the range of ₹80 - ₹200 per kg. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.

Where to buy

Look for authorised sellers such as Coorg Progressive Farmers Cooperative, or government emporia and cooperatives in Karnataka.

Catalogue record

Catalogue record: GI-18 · Karnataka · reviewed

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Coorg Orange?

This catalogue lists Coorg Orange as GI-18. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.

Where is Coorg Orange made?

Coorg Orange is produced in Karnataka, in the agricultural category of this catalogue.

Can Coorg Orange legally be made outside Karnataka?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Karnataka may legally sell goods under the name “Coorg Orange”.

What does genuine Coorg Orange cost?

Genuine Coorg Orange typically sells in the range of ₹80 - ₹200 per kg. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.

How can I spot a fake Coorg Orange?

Distinctly loose jacket skin that peels effortlessly with a sweet-tart refreshing juice matrix; hybrid oranges have tight skins and blank sweetness.

Where should I buy genuine Coorg Orange?

Look for authorised sellers such as Coorg Progressive Farmers Cooperative, or government emporia and cooperatives in Karnataka.