Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Colombo curing is the fish pickling process practiced in the South Canara and Malabar regions along the West Coast of the India.
Reason (R): Psidium guajava fruit is very acidic in nature which is used for Colombo pickling of fish.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Colombo curing = Salt + Malabar Tamarind (Garcinia cambogia). This combination creates a product that can be stored for months without refrigeration.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Colombo curing is a traditional method of preserving fatty fish (like Mackerel and Sardines) in south India and Sri Lanka. It involves pickling the fish in a mixture of salt and a souring agent, which lowers the pH to preserve the texture and flavor.
Detailed Explanation:
Analysis of Assertion (A): Colombo curing is a well-known traditional preservation technique specifically concentrated in the Malabar and South Canara regions of the Indian West Coast. It is named after the port of Colombo, through which much of this product was historically exported. Therefore, Assertion (A) is true.

Analysis of Reason (R): The souring agent used in Colombo curing is not Psidium guajava (Guava). The actual agent used is "Kodapuli" or Malabar tamarind, scientifically known as {Garcinia cambogia. This fruit is extremely acidic and contains high amounts of hydroxycitric acid, which is effective for pickling. Guava is not used for this purpose. Therefore, Reason (R) is false due to the incorrect plant species mentioned.

Evaluating the Relationship: Since the Reason is factually incorrect regarding the ingredients of the process, it cannot explain the assertion.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.