What's the first thought that comes to our mind when we talk about Indian cuisine? Well, I think that how spicy is it. Similarly, any Indian dish is incomplete without chilli. But are you aware of the kinds of red chillies available in India, and what are they known for? Apart from enhancing our taste, chillies are beneficial for our health too. Eating chillies benefits the digestive system and maintains the health of our hearts. It also provides relief in joint pain, migraine, weight management etc. (of course, in moderate amount). Chilli is believed to have reached India through the Vasco-da-Gama in 1498. It is believed that the Portuguese explorer reached Indian shores with this sharp seasoning. After this, chillies became remarkably prevalent amongst Indians, and since then, they have added a new colour and taste to our food. So let's know about such different chillies.
Guntur Chilli, Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is recognised for its spicy cuisine, and the full credit goes to the Guntur chillies of the Guntur district. Guntur is the leading exporter and producer of maximum chilli and chilli powder varieties from India to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Korea, the Middle East, the USA, Latin America and the UK. A variety of Guntur is 'Guntur Sannam', which is cultivated in Madhya Pradesh.
Byadgi Chilli, Karnataka
This chilli is quite popularly grown mainly in Karnataka. Byadgi Chilli is titled after the town of Byadgi, located in the Haveri district of Karnataka. It is of two types – Dabbi and Kaddi. Dabbi chillies are shorter and thicker and are more famous for their colour and flavour. However, the kaddi chillies contain more seeds and are less pungent.
Bhut Jolokia, North East States
Bhut Jolokia is grown in the northeastern states- Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland etc. Due to its pungency, this chilli has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's hottest chilli in the year 2007. It is an interspecific hybrid chilli also used to make pork, dried fish or fermented fish.
Dhani Chilli, Manipur
It is also known as birds eye chilli and Thai chilli and is extensively used in various Asian, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisines. Dhani Chilli is known for its deep red colour, pungent smell and very sharp taste. Apart from red, this chilli is also available in green and orange colours.
