Learning more about the Chilies of India: Take 1 🎬

*Rubs hands in glee*

The rains are rain-ing! The air is cooling! Our taste-buds are craving! 🤪 Something crispy, hot, snacky, and delightfully spicy, of course!!!!

We can all agree there’s something about rainy weather, making us want to eat food that’s hot (Gharma garam!) and also 🌶️hot🌶️ on the flavor-meter! In India, it’s definitely ‘seasoning’ that has us all in a tizzy, when you think about it. Food that’s prepared well and simply, yet packing a punch, palate-wise!

Now, there’s ONE spice that stands out to us Indians, that goes from mild to wild, depending on the color and variety – and that would be the evergreen, or well, sometimes red or orange or yellow CHILI PEPPER!

Hello, Chili!

Chili pepper is a pungent fruit widely used in our kitchens. Containing an alkaloid compound called capsaicin, it is the capsaicin content attributing to a respective chili pepper’s pungency levels. Ooh!

The sensation of chili on your senses can give you quite the kick! It’s got that heat factor, for sure. But did you know capsaicin, when ingested, helps in the release of endorphins (natural painkillers in the body)? Noted, additionally, for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, capsaicin makes a great component to a healthy diet.

Never knew our ‘spicy cravings’ were so cool!

Chilies of India

In India alone, we’ve got some stunning varieties of chili peppers. You might even say there’s a chili pepper for every kind of spicy lover out there – depending on how hot they like their heat!

That being said, we’re conducting a Spice Trail of our own to learn more about India’s famed varieties of chili peppers.

First up: The Bhavnagri Chili, found in Gujarat and Rajasthan

This chili type from the West of India is modest in terms of its heat. It’s got a plump appearance like a typical pepper, and is used in pickling and snacks. You may have heard of or be fond of gathiya, a crunchy Gujarati snack made of besan dough, and served with fried Bhavnagri Chili. This chili is also preferred when it comes to making chutneys and sambar.

Color: Green

Have you tried this variety of chili? Is it part of the pantry in your home?

Sources: alimentarium, Rachnakar, Roger’s Gardens, Tarla Dalal

What a class, huh! Well, do be tuned in to this series, there’s more to come. The wait won’t be long now, that’s what we’ll say. You’re in for a treat, oozing flavor and heat! Stay in the loop through our socials. In the meanwhile, if you’re craving our lip-smacking food, get your faves in-store with the McDonald’s App. If you’re ordering online, use the McDelivery® website and McDelivery® App for offers aplenty!