Mace Candy likely to be one of Goa's signature treats

While Goa is incredibly popular for its cashew production, it's soon set to offer mace candy as one of its signature state offerings. A recipe in making since 2017, the 'mace candy' treat is finally to see the light of the rind after numerous trials and errors. As per reports, the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute Goa has developed the final product and is now gearing to produce it for retail consumption.

Mace is obtained from the same fruit as Nutmeg, mace being the outer shell and Nutmeg being the inner part of the fruit. Usually, the mace is thrown away by the farmers. However, ICAR-CCARI came up with a process of using this outer rind to develop candies which will be up for retail sale under the state's own, GoVan brand.

By virtue of this stamp, the Goa State Biodiversity Board aims to promote local production and use of regional ingredients across the state. It may be noted that the GoVan brand is entirely run by local women which also boosts the pillars of female empowerment and employment here.

As far as the production is concerned, the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) has purchased the formula of mace candy from the ICAR-CCARI and has already begun the procedure to create the candy out of the rind. The two centres that have begun the candy preparation are Curchorem in South Goa and Pale-Kothambi in North Goa. The GSBB has also shown interest in sharing the candy formula with anyone who will develop a market for it.

Before mace candy, the board has created cakes, sweets, and pickles from Mango and Jackfruit too.