Shahi lychee

Shahi litchi is a variety of litchi grown in Muzaffarpur district and some neighbouring districts of in the Indian state of Bihar. (for example in Mehsi block in East Champaran district ).

Litchi fruits

Bihar is one of the biggest lichi producing states in India, contributing to over 40% of the lichi production in the country.^[1] The region around the district of Muzaffarpur is known for its litchi orchards and gardens.^[2] There are two main varieties of litchi produced in the region, ‘China’ litchi and ‘Shahi’ litchi, (in addition to some other varieties like ‘Longia’ and ‘Calcutta’ variety).^[3]

'Shahi' litchi variety has large fruits ^[4] with juicy pulp and good sugur acid blend.^[5] However, the fruit pulp of 'Shahi' lychee is generally considered to be more aromatic, with a distinct "rose scented aroma".^[6] The weather patterns in the district of Muzaffarpur and the neighbouring districts of Vaishali, Samastipur, East Champaran and Begusarai, as well as the fertile alluvial soil of the region which is rich in calcium, contributes to the quality of lichi fruits grown in the area.^[7]

The Shahi litchi was given the Geographical Indication tag (GI) in 2018.^[8][9]

Shelf life

Litchi in general, and Shahi litchi in particular, is a highly perishable fruit. Typically, the shelf life of Shahi litchi is around 2–3 days,^[10] after which it starts to lose its natural taste.

Recognition

After getting recognition as a GI certified products, Shahi litchi has been exported to countries like the UK using the air route.^[11]

Shahi lichi were supplied in 2023 to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, as well to cities in other part of the country by adding special coaches to trains like the Pawan Express.^[12]