What You Must Know About Indian Chilli Varieties & Their Exports from India

Chilli was originally introduced to India by the Portuguese when they brought them in from South America to their colony for trading in Goa. Now, India has become the largest exporter and producer of chillies in the whole world. Many varieties of chillies are grown here, especially in the south, and the majority of these spices are made to ripen till they turn red, after which they are dried in the sun. Chilli in India is usually grown as three types- mild, medium and hot, each of which has its own demand in a certain region. It is also made available in various forms like powdered chilli, chilli peppers, fresh dried chilli, chilli pickles, etc.

Types of chilli available in India:

Chillies in India are used either green and fresh or dried red, although red chillies are not directly used in cooking in Indian homes. Listed below are a few varieties of chillies grown on a massive scale in different parts of India:

Kaddi- It is a dried red variety. It is typically long, pointed, wrinkled and strong. It is primarily used for the bright red shade it imparts to a dish.

Curd Chilli- This is the name for strong and small green chillies that induce a mild flavour in food preparations. Such chillies are used in yogurt and buttermilk. Indian chilli exporters experience a high demand for such chillies abroad which is especially because of Indians living in foreign lands.

Dhani- this variety is also known as bird chilli and these are intensely hot, small and are found to grow as upward pointed chillies on plants. Most grow into deep red textured chillies while others ripen to a shade of bright orange. Hottest when the shade is green to orange, these tend to lose hotness when they turn red.

Goan- popularly grown in Goa, this variety is dried and used in many Indian cuisines being moderately hot.

Guntur red- this is the classic red chilli which contributes the most to exports from India. Indian red dry chilli exporters find this variety to be the best among others in terms of produce as well as quality. This variety of chilli is used either raw or in powdered form.

Reason behind India being the largest exporter of Indian chillies:

Indian chillies are grown on a large scale in different parts of the country and each region produces its own variety as well. Being fond of the spices used in most preparations, it comes as no surprise that Indian producers of chillies make sure the spice gets the best facilities for its cultivation as it is also exported to major foreign nations.

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