Spice guide / Comparisons

Kashmiri chilli vs Byadgi chilli

Both are used for red colour more than maximum heat. They are not the same lot and should not be labelled interchangeably on a pack.

Culinary differences only. Traditional use is not scientific evidence of a medical effect.

Kashmiri chilli

कश्मीरी मिर्च · Capsicum annuum

Mild heat, vivid red colour — widely used for colour in gravies.

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Byadgi chilli

ब्याडगी मिर्च · Capsicum annuum

Named Indian chilli cultivar: Byadgi chilli.

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Flavour and kitchen job

Kashmiri is the North Indian tandoori reference. Byadgi is the Karnataka colour chilli in bisi bele bath and many commercial masalas.

When to use which

  • Kashmiri chilli for Punjabi and Kashmiri gravies sold into the UK.
  • Byadgi when you are cooking Karnataka food or a masala that specifies it.

Buy the named variety. ‘Deggi mirch’ blends are a different product again.

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