Kodaikanal Malai Poondu

Kodaikanal Hill garlic (Kodaikanal Malai Poondu) is grown in Kodaikanal Hills, in Dindugul district, in Tamilnadu. This is an agricultural product, known for its medicinal and preservative properties due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, which is attributed to the presence of higher amount of organosulfur compounds, phenols and flavonoids compared to other garlic varieties. The high content of organosulfur compounds creates a strong smell and pungent taste, which is a notable sensory property of Kodaikanal Hill Garlic as a food ingredient. Its speciality lies in its extended storage life period of 8 to 11 months at room temperature without the cloves shrivelling and sprouting due to continuous smoking under traditionally designed roof structure thus providing proper humidity and air circulation. This variety of garlic can withstand extreme hot or cold conditions.