Kashmiri red chilli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kashmiri red chilli |
|
|---|---|
| Species | Capsicum annuum |
| Marketing names | Kashmiri Mirch, Kashmiri Lal Mirch |
| Heat |  Mild |
| Scoville scale | 1000 – 2000 SHU |
Kashmiri red chillies, also known as Kashmiri lal mirch, are a special type of chilli pepper. They are famous for giving food a beautiful deep red color. They also add a nice flavor without making the dish too spicy. This makes them perfect for many different recipes.
India is the biggest producer and consumer of these chillies. Many companies, like MDH and Everest Spices, sell them as a powder. Chefs in India often use Kashmiri chillies. They even use them as a substitute for other chillies in some dishes.
Because Kashmiri chillies are so popular, other types, like Byadagi chillies, are sometimes used instead. The government in Jammu and Kashmir is working to help farmers grow even more of these local chillies.
What Makes Kashmiri Chillies Special?
The Spices Board of India says that Kashmiri chillies mainly grow in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. They also grow in places like Goa. Farmers usually harvest them during the winter season.
These chillies are known for their strong color. A special measurement called the ASTA color value helps show how much color can be taken from the chilli. For Kashmiri chillies, this value is 54.10.
Kashmiri chillies are considered mild. Their spiciness is measured on the Scoville Scale. They usually range from 1000 to 2000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units). This is much less spicy than many other chillies. There are different types and qualities of Kashmiri red chillies.
Sometimes, other things might be mixed into chilli powder. It is always best to buy from trusted brands.
How Are Kashmiri Chillies Used?
Kashmiri red chillies are used in many tasty dishes. They are popular in non-vegetarian foods like tandoori chicken. They also add flavor to snacks such as tiger prawns.
You can find them in pickles and chutneys too. They are also used to give a vibrant color to popular street foods like pav bhaji and misal pav.
