7 Popular Varieties of Indian Chillies
We all know Indian dishes are incomplete without chillies. And chillies are the most integral ingredient while preparing a recipe. But did you know there are more than 10 varieties of Indian chillies? Here, in this article, I have shared some of the most popular chilli varieties in India. Read it out to explore the varieties of Indian chillies.
Being an Indian, we all know that, Indian dishes are half-done if there are no chillies in it. The hottest spice of all - Red Chilli, has blessed us with many of its different varieties.
And all those spicy lovers out there are definitely the happiest with so many different types of chillies, as they get an opportunity to relish new dishes with different feel and taste of spiciness.
Apart from adding the zesty flavour to the dish, chillies also possess numerous health benefits.
Did you know that there are more than 10+ varieties of chillies in India?
In this guide, I have shared some of the most well-liked varieties of Indian chillies that we can avail.
Guntur
Jwala
Bhut Jolokia
Kashmiri
Byadgi
Bhavnagari
Kanthari
So, let's straight dive in and explore the goodness of Indian chillies.
Guntur
Guntur chillies come from Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. One of the hottest chillies in the country, the spiciness of these chillies reflects in the Andhra Pradesh cuisine. As Andhra Pradesh's cuisine is famous for the spiciness they have in their dishes.
Guntur Chillies because of its great popularity and the spiciness it adds to food is exported worldwide.
Jwala
Also known as finger hot pepper, Jwala chilli is grown in the southern parts of Gujarat. Jwala chilli is famous in Indian houses and is used widely in making of pickles. Initially, these chillies are green but turn red when they mature.
Jwala chillies possess a very sharp taste, which is enough to titillate your taste buds.
Bhut Jolokia
Most famously known as ghost pepper, Bhut Jolokia has been certified as the "Hottest Chilli'' in the world by Guinness Book. This spiciest variety of chilli is cultivated in the north-eastern regions of the country.
You can grow this chilli indoors as well, but of course, you have to be brave enough for it!
Because of too hot taste, you cannot use Bhut Jolokia in every day cooking. However, this chilli is used in making pickles, chutneys etc.
Kashmiri
Kashmiri Mirchi has a class of its own, and I am sure you will agree with this! And as the name suggests, they are originated from Kashmir.
Kashmiri Chillies are ground to powder form and then used in cooking of all types of dishes. They give deep redness to the food and are neither too hot nor too mild in taste, and hence preferred the most.
You can find Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder in almost every Indian household for sure!
Byadgi
Byadgi Chillies is one of the most popular chillies of India and they come from Karnataka. Byadgi chillies impart a beautiful dark red colour and a strong aroma to the dish. However, they are not as spicy as the colour they bring to the dishes.
Byadgi chilli is the best to use in place of Kashmiri chilli. And, they are also an essential part of Udipi cuisine.
Bhavnagari
This special chilli variety comes from the city of Bhavnagar, Gujarat. Looking at this chilli, you can make out that this is used in stuffing. Bhavnagari Chilli tastes from mild to moderately spicy and is the most commonly used for Bharwan Mirchi and Mirchi Pakoda.
Kanthari
Kanthari Chilli is Bird's Eye Variety Chilli of Kerala. Kanthari Chilli is grown in Kerala and in some parts of Tamil Nadu. This chilli because of high pungency isn't used in cooking as it adds a lot of heat to the dishes. Kanthari Chillies become white when they mature.
Here, were some of the popular varieties of chillies in India. Some chillies are extremely hot in taste, while some are moderately spicy and some just impart a deep red colour to the dishes. We can also find different types of chilli powders in India- Red chilli powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, white chilli powders are to name a few.
In case you are looking to buy good quality chilli powders, then you should definitely try chilli powder from Vasant Masala. I love spices from Vasant masala as they are good in quality and their taste is pretty authentic. I am a fan of Kumthi Kashmiri Chilli powder from Vasant Masala- it's the best Kashmiri chilli powder I have tried till date.
So, which one is your favourite chilli variety in India?
Do let me know in comments below.
Source: Medium
