5 hot and popular chilies of India
While today it is quite impossible to think of Indian cuisine without chili, it might shock many to know that chili wasn't native to India. Chilies were introduced to us by the Portuguese. However, now we are one of the main producers and exporters of chilies in the world. Check out some of the varieties of chilies we produce.
Bhut jolokia
Also known as "ghost pepper," it is a hybrid chili cultivated mostly in the northeastern region of the country. Once acclaimed as the world's hottest pepper, bhut jolokia literally means Bhutanese pepper in Assamese. The ripe peppers are roughly two-three inches long and one inch wide. Available in yellow, orange, red, or chocolate colors, they are used in curries, pickles, and chutneys.
Dhani
Northeast's bird's eye chili is probably the tiniest of all the chilies found in India, but it scores high on the heat scale. Locally known as Dhani, these blood-red chilies are widely used in Manipur and Mizoram to make pickles and chutneys. Traditionally this area lacked spices, but upon discovery, this fiery chili turned out to be ideal for their meat dishes.
Guntur sannam
Andhra Pradesh was known as the highest chili producing state in India until Telangana's formation. It is home to the guntur sannam chili which has four variants depending on the variation in their red color. It is highly sought after for its pungency and is heavily used in regional cuisine. Rich in vitamin C and protein, this chili has thick skin.
Kashmiri chilies
Grown in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, they are famous for their distinct deep red color. Kashmiri chilies are not as hot and are therefore used extensively to add color to dishes without making them too hot to handle. Used mostly in the powdered form, they can also be turned into flakes and used in whole dried form for tempering dishes.
Byadagi chili
Byadagi chili is grown in Karnataka and named after the town Byadgi. This chili is also known for its deep red color and less heat. Oil extracted from these is used in nail polishes and lipsticks. They come in two types: dabbi and kaddi. The former is small and plump, and more popular for its color, but less spicy compared to the latter.
