Photo: The hottest chilli variety in India, Himalayas

Chillies or cayenne, are one of India’s

major export commodities. An annual

plant, chilli comes in a wide variety of

shapes, sizes, colours and in different

degrees of pungency. India is the only

country rich in many varieties with dif-

ferent quality factors. The medium pun-

gent sannam and the mildly pungent

mundu chillies are internationally recog-

nized as the finest in quality. Products

are also available as powder and oleo-

resins. Indian chilli is exported to many

countries, notably USA