Did you know that Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of red chillies in India? It’s no surprise, given its spice-rich cuisine! India also holds the title of being the world’s largest exporter and consumer of chillies, making this spice an essential part of Indian cooking.
Think about it—most dishes feel incomplete without a touch of chilli powder. In fact, it's often the first ingredient added to our monthly grocery list. But chillies do more than just bring the heat. They enhance the natural color of food, eliminating the need for artificial food dyes, and their quality directly impacts the flavor and intensity of any dish.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top chilli-producing regions in India, their cultivation process, and what makes them so special. With numerous varieties of chillies in India, each type is uniquely labeled to distinguish its heat level, aroma, and color.
India’s Most Iconic & Spicy Chillies 🌶️🔥
1️⃣ Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper) – Assam & Northeast India
Known as one of the hottest chillies in the world, Bhut Jolokia is a legend in the spice world. It scores over 1 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it nearly 400 times hotter than a regular jalapeño. Found in Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur, it is used in pickles, chutneys, and even military-grade pepper sprays! If you’re looking for an extreme spice experience, this is the chilli for you.
2️⃣ Guntur Chilli – Andhra Pradesh
A staple in Andhra cuisine, Guntur chillies are famous for their intense spice and bright red color. They range from moderate to extremely hot, making them perfect for spicy curries, pickles, and masala blends. Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of red chillies in India, with Guntur chillies leading the market.
3️⃣ Byadgi Chilli – Karnataka
This deep red chilli is prized for its mild heat and rich color, making it an excellent ingredient for Indian curries, spice blends, and masalas. Byadgi chillies have a smoky-sweet flavor, making them ideal for giving dishes a deep red hue without excessive spiciness.
4️⃣ Kashmiri Chilli – Jammu & Kashmir
If you love a beautiful red colour in your food but prefer mild heat, Kashmiri chillies are perfect for you. These chillies are widely used in tandoori marinades, gravies, and biryanis, enhancing both the visual appeal and subtle spice level of dishes.
5️⃣ Mundu Chilli – Tamil Nadu
Small, round, and bursting with flavour, Mundu chillies are popular in South Indian cuisine, especially in Chettinad cooking. They have a slightly smoky taste and a moderate heat level, making them perfect for curries and chutneys.
Bhadrachalam & Bellary Chillies: Andhra’s Hidden Spice Treasures 🌶️✨
While Bhut Jolokia, Guntur, and Kashmiri chillies are well known, Bhadrachalam and Bellary chillies remain hidden gems, celebrated for their unique heat and deep flavours. These chillies form the base of The Manduva Project’s Seasoned Chilli Podi, bringing an unmatched spicy and smoky depth to every dish.
🔥 Bhadrachalam Chilli – The Perfect Balance of Heat & Aroma
Grown in the Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh, Bhadrachalam chillies are medium-hot, offering the perfect balance between spiciness and smokiness. Their deep red colour and strong aroma make them an ideal choice for podis, pickles, and masala blends. Unlike overly fiery chillies that mask other flavours, Bhadrachalam chillies enhance the natural taste of dishes.
In The Manduva Project’s Seasoned Chilli Podi, these chillies bring a rich, warm heat that lingers on the palate without overpowering the dish. Each batch is carefully sourced and hand-pounded to retain its full-bodied essence, ensuring an authentic taste experience.
🔥 Bellary Chilli – A Smoky Heat Sensation
Bellary chillies, cultivated in Karnataka and parts of Andhra Pradesh, are slightly milder than Bhadrachalam chillies but offer a deep, smoky undertone. These chillies are often used in spice powders, curries, and Andhra-style pickles, where they add a warm, complex heat without overwhelming the dish.
When combined with Bhadrachalam chillies in The Manduva Project’s Seasoned Chilli Podi, they create a harmonious blend that is bold, flavorful, and authentic—perfect for sprinkling over hot rice with ghee, mixing into curries, or enjoying with idlis and dosas.
The Manduva Project’s Seasoned Chilli Podi: A Taste of Tradition 🌶️🥣
At The Manduva Project, we believe in preserving authentic Andhra flavours by using heirloom recipes, high-quality chillies, and traditional hand-pounding techniques. Our Seasoned Chilli Podi is a tribute to the rich chilli heritage of Bhadrachalam and Bellary, carefully crafted to bring you the true essence of Andhra spice.
Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Handcrafted & Authentic – Made using traditional methods for the most genuine flavor.
✔️ Perfect Spice Balance – A blend of bold, smoky, and warm heat.
✔️ Versatile Use – Enjoy it with rice, idlis, dosas, or sprinkle over snacks.
✔️ No Preservatives – 100% natural, just like homemade.
✔️ Made with Premium Chillies – Featuring Bhadrachalam & Bellary chillies for unmatched taste.
If you’re a spice lover looking for an authentic Andhra experience, The Manduva Project’s Seasoned Chilli Podi is a must-try. It’s more than just a spice—it’s a flavourful journey through Andhra’s chilli heritage. 🌶️✨
How to Use The Manduva Project’s Seasoned Chilli Podi? 🍛✨
This versatile, spice-packed podi isn’t just limited to one dish! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
✔️ Hot Rice & Ghee – The simplest and most delicious way to enjoy this podi. Just mix it with warm rice and a generous dollop of ghee.
✔️ Idlis & Dosas – Sprinkle over soft idlis or crispy dosas with a drizzle of gingelly oil for a fiery kick.
✔️ Curries & Stir-fries – Add a spoonful to your curries or sautéed vegetables to enhance the flavor.
✔️ Marinades & Spice Rubs – Use it to marinate meats, paneer, or tofu for a bold, smoky taste.
✔️ Snacks & Chaats – Sprinkle over popcorn, roasted nuts, or even fries for an extra punch of spice.
Follow Us for More Recipes & Updates! 📲✨
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🔥Buy the bold flavours of Andhra’s finest chillies with The Manduva Project’s Seasoned Chilli Podi! Try it today and transform your meals with an authentic burst of spice! 🌶️✨