Capsicum annuum
Kashmiri Chili - Scoville, Taste & Uses
Kashmiri chilies are famous for color rather than heat. The pods dry to a vivid crimson that paints curries scarlet. Flavor stays mild, earthy, and slightly fruity, with heat around 1,000 to 5,000 SHU. Indian cooks toast and grind them for tandoori rubs, rogan josh, and chili oil. The thin skin grinds easily, producing smooth powder. Deggi mirch, a popular North Indian spice mix, blends Kashmiri chili with hotter varieties for balanced flavor. Brilliant color, gentle warmth - endorsed by the Ministry of Saffron Heat. Kashmiri Chili typically measures 1,000-5,000 SHU (Mild). Shows up across India, Kashmir Valley in condiments, pickles, and marinades. Toast Kashmiri chilies, soak, and blend into rogan josh, vindaloo, and chili pastes. Grind them with garlic and ginger for tandoori marinades. Infuse them into oil or ghee to color curries. Combine with cumin, coriander, and fenugreek for spice blends. Because heat is mild, they are ideal for visually vibrant dishes. See sauces using Kashmiri Chili
Also known as: Kashmiri Mirch, Deggi Mirch (blend)
Species
Capsicum annuum
Heat
Flavour
Mild, Earthy, Bright, thin-skinned, versatile
Origin / Regions
India, Kashmir Valley
Colour / Shape
Deep crimson when dried
Pod size
12-15 cm long, 2-3 cm wide
Try it in the wild
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Flavour & Aroma
Kashmiri chilies are famous for color rather than heat. The pods dry to a vivid crimson that paints curries scarlet. Flavor stays mild, earthy, and slightly fruity, with heat around 1,000 to 5,000 SHU. Indian cooks toast and grind them for tandoori rubs, rogan josh, and chili oil. The thin skin grinds easily, producing smooth powder. Deggi mirch, a popular North Indian spice mix, blends Kashmiri chili with hotter varieties for balanced flavor. Brilliant color, gentle warmth - endorsed by the Ministry of Saffron Heat.
Toast Kashmiri chilies, soak, and blend into rogan josh, vindaloo, and chili pastes. Grind them with garlic and ginger for tandoori marinades. Infuse them into oil or ghee to color curries. Combine with cumin, coriander, and fenugreek for spice blends. Because heat is mild, they are ideal for visually vibrant dishes.
Heat Profile
Scoville range
1,000-5,000 SHU
Heat label
Mild
Harvest window
Autumn
Sauce Index count
-
History & Culture
Portuguese traders introduced chilies to India in the 16th century. Kashmiri farmers bred varieties suited to the cool valley climate, focusing on pigment and flavor. The resulting chili became integral to Kashmiri wazwan cuisine. Demand spread across India, especially for tandoori dishes needing vibrant color without overpowering spice. Today, both sun-dried pods and commercial powders supply restaurants worldwide.
Botany & Growing Notes
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Grow Kashmiri chilies in cool, sunny climates if possible. Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before transplanting. Provide well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Plants reach 60 to 80 cm tall. Harvest ripe red pods, then sun-dry until crisp. Grind immediately to preserve color. In humid regions, use dehydrators to prevent mold.
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Kashmiri Chili typically measures 1,000-5,000 SHU (Mild). Ranges shift with cultivar and growing conditions.
Mild, Earthy, Bright, thin-skinned, versatile
Kashmiri Mirch, Deggi Mirch (blend) show up as common aliases depending on region. This pepper's alternate names mostly come from regional dialects.
Consider Anaheim, Ancho, Banana Pepper, Poblano for comparable heat or recipes.
- Anaheim - Mild
- Ancho - Mild
- Banana Pepper - Mild
- Poblano - Mild
Toast Kashmiri chilies, soak, and blend into rogan josh, vindaloo, and chili pastes. Grind them with garlic and ginger for tandoori marinades. Infuse them into oil or ghee to color curries. Combine with cumin, coriander, and fenugreek for spice blends. Because heat is mild, they are ideal for visually vibrant dishes.
Grow Kashmiri chilies in cool, sunny climates if possible. Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before transplanting. Provide well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Plants reach 60 to 80 cm tall. Harvest ripe red pods, then sun-dry until crisp. Grind immediately to preserve color. In humid regions, use dehydrators to prevent mold.
Use gloves, ventilation, and soap to remove capsaicin oils.
Sources
- Republic of Heat tasting lab field notes
- Producer dossiers submitted through Directus
- Open cultivar registries & academic pepper research
We cross-reference seed banks, peer-reviewed literature, and reputable producer data for SHU and origin claims.
Reviewed by Republic of Heat - last updated 2025-11-10