Spice guide / Kashmiri chilli
What is Kashmiri chilli?
Mild heat, vivid red colour — widely used for colour in gravies.
Short answer: Kashmiri chilli (Hindi: कश्मीरी मिर्च) is Capsicum annuum. Mild, slightly sweet, smoky-fruity. Culinary use only — not a medicine.
| Common name | Kashmiri chilli |
|---|---|
| Hindi | कश्मीरी मिर्च |
| Sanskrit | — |
| Botanical name | Capsicum annuum |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Origin | India — Kashmir and other regions producing Kashmiri-type pods |
| Main producing regions | Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh |
| Flavour | Mild, slightly sweet, smoky-fruity |
| Aroma | — |
| Forms | whole, powder, flakes |
| Retail packs | 100g–5kg (typical; see products) |
| Bulk | 10kg+ |
What is Kashmiri chilli?
Kashmiri chilli is a mild Capsicum annuum type valued for colour. Colour and heat vary by cultivar and harvest. Not interchangeable with Guntur Teja.
History of Kashmiri chilli
Origin
India — Kashmir and other regions producing Kashmiri-type pods
Growing regions
Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh
How it is grown
Harvest
Processing
Grades
- Standard: Admin-configured commercial grade
- Premium: Admin-configured higher visual/purity selection
- Export Grade: Only show when export specifications exist for the lot
- Machine Cleaned: Machine cleaned — confirm process for the lot
Only grades that apply to a lot should be shown at purchase. These are templates, not invented industry certificates.
Flavour, aroma and colour
Mild, slightly sweet, smoky-fruity. . Colour: . Heat: mild.
Whole vs ground
Kashmiri chilli is sold whole (or as seed/leaf) and as a ground form. Whole keeps aroma longer in a UK cupboard; grind or crush just before cooking when you can. Powder is convenient for daily dal, curry and marinades — buy a pack you will finish in a few months.
Culinary uses
- Tandoori
- Butter chicken
- Curry
- Rogan josh
Traditional uses
Recorded in culinary tradition. Traditional use is not scientific evidence of a medical effect.
SpicyCenter does not claim that spices cure, treat or prevent disease.
Storage and shelf life
Nutrition
Kashmiri chilli is a culinary seasoning. Nutrition values are pack-specific and must match the label for UK/EU sale. We do not claim that this spice treats, cures or prevents disease.
Buying guide
Tell us the quantity you need, from 100 gm to 1 metric ton. Prices are not published on this website. Availability is confirmed on the enquiry.
Recipes using this spice
- Everyday Indian curry base — Cumin, coriander, turmeric and Kashmiri chilli as a starting masala for vegetables or chicken.
- Rajma — Kidney beans in a slow tomato-onion gravy.
- Palak paneer — Spinach gravy finished with kasuri methi and garam masala.
- Butter chicken (home method) — Tomato-cream gravy; Kashmiri chilli for colour, kasuri methi at the end.
- Chicken tikka masala (UK household) — The UK classic — tikka-spiced chicken in a tomato-cream sauce.
- Malabar fish curry — Coconut or tamarind fish gravy with mustard and curry leaf.
- Baingan bharta — Smoky mashed aubergine with cumin and garam masala.
- Pav bhaji — Mashed vegetable street snack — pav bhaji masala and butter.
