Byadagi chilli

Byadgi chilli
SpeciesCapsicum annuum
OriginKarnataka, India
Heatmild to hot
Scoville scale5,000 - 15,000 SHU

Byadagi chilli (Kannada: ಬ್ಯಾಡಗಿ ಮೆಣಸಿನಕಾಯಿ) is a variety of chilli mainly grown in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is named after the town of Byadgi which is located in the Haveri district of Karnataka.[1] It is sometimes written as Bedgi in some supermarkets and grocery stores in India. The business involving Byadagi chillis has the second-largest turnover among all chilli varieties of India.[2] An oil, oleoresin, extracted from these chillies is used in the preparation of nail polish and lipstick.[3] Byadagi chilli is also known for its deep red colour; it is less spicy and is used in many food preparations of South India. Byadagi chilli has been accorded Geographical Indication (GI) in February 2011.[4] Its GI tag is 129.[5]

Byadagi chillies come in two types: dabbi and kaddi. Byadagi dabbi, which is small and plump, is more popular for its colour, flavour and taste. Though it has more seeds, it is less spicy compared to the kaddi variety. This variety is best suited for masala preparation and oleoresin extraction. Many established food companies prefer this variety for their products. Among cosmetic products, it is mainly used in nail polish and lipstick. The kaddi type is gnarled, thin, long and has fewer seeds.

  1. ^ "Focus on entrepreneurship to boost rural development". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 20 June 2007. Archived from the original on 1 October 2007. Retrieved 26 July 2007.
  2. ^ "Spice players put blame on British customs". Online Edition of The Times of India, dated 21 February 2005. Times Internet Ltd. 21 February 2005. Retrieved 26 July 2007.
  3. ^ Lokeshvarappa N. "Red Hot Chilli Peppers". Online Edition of The Deccan Herald, dated 2007-06-19. The Printers (Mysore) Pvt. Ltd. Archived from the original on 21 June 2007. Retrieved 26 July 2007.
  4. ^ "Scotch whisky, Karnataka's Byadgi Chilli get GI tag". The Times of India. 16 February 2011. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013.
  5. ^ List of Geographical Indications in India