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If you are searching for expensive chillies in India, it is impossible not to come across Chapata Chilli. For the uninitiated, this variant belongs to Warangal of Telangana state. Surprisingly, it is one of the sweetest chillies in India. Quite fascinating, isn't it? But what makes it pricey? Chapata was attempting to get the Geographical Indication or GI tag. And in September last year, it succeeded in obtaining it. No exaggeration, the chilli's prices soared in no time of this feat, and it started selling for a whopping price of nearly INR 1000 per kg.
Size, appearance, taste and flavour
The Chapata chilli is a small, deep red pepper that is only grown in the Warangal region. It is also known as Tomato Chapata Warangal chilli and its colour is quite vibrant. It tastes moderate and is somewhat less pungent. It is not very fiery; its Scoville Scale value is 0. As a result, many people choose to use it as an extraction to add colour to food.
Domestic and international demand
This chilli has a high demand in the domestic market, especially in states like Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It has an equally thriving global market, with major buyers being European countries and West Asia.
Chapata mirch, Image Source: growing_the.love@Instagram
A favoured ingredient
The red-dried chapata chilli, commonly referred to as "Tomato Chapata Warangal Chilli," is specific to Warangal and resembles Mexican capsicum in appearance. It is raised in local fields with good access to water. To make the red chilli variant, the green capsicum is dried. This chilli has a very low heat or pungency value on the Scoville Scale, a device used to gauge how hot a pepper is. The heat value ranges from 4,000 to 8,000 SHU against pure capsaicin, which measures 16 million SHU).
Chapata chillies are used in pickles and in several savoury dishes prepared in restaurants. This type is famous around the world, especially in East Asia. Chapata chillies come in different types. It tastes excellent and has a distinctive sweet scent. Because of its inherent natural gorgeous hue, food and beverage makers employ the Warangal chilli type as a colourant.
