Byadgi
Dry Red Chilli

Byadgi dry red chilli is a world-renowned variety of Indian chilli, primarily distinguished by its deep red colour, characteristic wrinkled appearance, and low pungency. This variety, belonging to Capsicum annuum, is a preferred raw material for industries where brilliant colour value (ASTA) and high oleoresin content are of prime importance rather than high heat.

Byadgi chillies are geographically specific and are mainly cultivated in the Haveri, Dharwad, and Gadag districts of Karnataka, India. The region’s specific terroir and the traditional practice of sun-drying under ample sunlight are favourable for the development of its intense natural pigment.

Byadgi Dry Red Chilli

Effective heat release in products

Provides heat without imparting much red colour

Efficient drying and oleoresin extraction

Reliable heat standardization for processing

What Makes Byadgi Chilli Unique?

Byadgi is a colour-grade chilli variety rather than a pungency-grade variety and is protected by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

High ASTA colour value

Provides intense natural red hue without synthetic dyes

Low capsaicin content

Delivers flavour and colour without overpowering heat

Fully wrinkled skin

High surface-to-mass ratio indicating high oleoresin density

Thick pericarp (skin)

Protects pigments from oxidation and yields higher oil extracts

Parameter Typical Specification
Botanical Name Capsicum annuum L.
Variety Byadgi (Kaddi / Dabbi)
Pod Length 10 - 15 cm
Pod Width 1 - 1.5 cm
Shape Slender, linear and wrinkled
Skin (Pericarp) Thick
Seed Content Moderate
Surface Texture Fully wrinkled
Stem Available in three export formats: With Stem, Stemless, and Stem Cut.

* Thin skin helps in quick evaporation of moisture during drying, and it also increases the yield of capsicum oleoresin.

Physical Characteristics of Byadgi
Chillies

Pungency &
Chemical Profile

Byadgi lots are provided in accordance with international food safety standards.

Parameter Range Method
Scoville Heat Units (SHU) 12,000 - 17,000 HPLC / Spectrophotometric
Total Capsaicinoids 0.08 – 0.1% HPLC
ASTA Colour Value 80 - 130 (Max 200+) ASTA 20.1
Moisture ≤ 11% AOAC
Water Activity 0.51 - 0.68 aw meter
Total Ash ≤ 8% AOAC
Acid Insoluble Ash ≤ 1.3% AOAC
Volatile Oil 0.5 - 1.5% Steam distillation
Non-volatile Ether Extract 12% minimum SOCS-PLUS

Microbiological
Standards

Low moisture levels are strictly maintained to ensure microbiological stability and prevent.

Parameter Limit
Total Plate Count < 100,000 cfu/g
Yeast & Mold < 1 × 103 cfu/g
E. coli Absent in 25 g
Salmonella Absent in 25 g
Aflatoxins As per EU / USFDA limits

Contaminant &
Residue Compliance

The export quality of Byadgi chillies must meet stringent international regulatory limits on pesticide and heavy metal residue.

Parameter Standard
Pesticide Residues EU MRL / Codex / US FDA compliant
Heavy Metals < 2.5 ppm
Sudan Dyes Not Detected / Nil
Extraneous Matter ≤ 1%
Aflatoxins As per EU / US FDA limits

Processing of Byadgi Chillies

Byadgi chillies are processed with technical precision to maintain their high colour value

Step 01

Harvesting Fruits are picked at full red maturity between November and January

Step 02

Colour Development Picked chillies are often kept in heaps for 2–3 days to ensure uniform pigment development.

Step 03

Sun Drying Traditionally sun-dried for 10–15 days to reach an ideal moisture content of 10–11%.

Step 04

Mechanical Cleaning Multi-stage aspiration and gravity separation to remove dust and stones.

Step 05

Low-Temperature Grinding Cryogenic or cold grinding is used to preserve heat-sensitive natural oils and colour.

The chillies are processed in a controlled manner to retain capsaicinoid content
and minimize the risk of contamination.

HACCP Documented
GMP Compliant Facility
Lot Traceability
FSSC 22000 Aligned

Industrial Applications
of Byadgi

The unique phytochemical profile of Byadgi chilli makes it vital for several high-value industries:

  • Oleoresin Extraction: Primary source for Paprika Oleoresin used globally.
  • Food Processing: Natural colorant for ketchups, snacks, processed meats, and sauces.
  • Cosmetics: Used as a natural dye in lipsticks and nail polishes.
  • Spice Blending: Essential for premium masala blends requiring deep colour without intense heat.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Base material for supplements and anti-inflammatory formulations.

This variety ensures consistent SHU value delivery, which helps to calibrate the heat level in food preparations.

Spice Market

40+

EXPORT DESTINATIONS

2,000+ MT

ANNUAL SUPPLY CAPACITY

Storage Conditions
for Byadgi Dry Chillies

Storage conditions will also help in preserving the pungency and preventing loss of quality.

Temperature

Below 25°C

Preferably below 15°C

Keep away from heat sources. Refrigerated or cool-room storage preferred for long-term quality retention.

Relative Humidity

Below 65%

Controlled dry conditions

Humidity above 65% accelerates mould growth and capsaicinoid degradation. Use desiccant packs in humid climates.

Light

No Direct Sunlight

UV-protected environment

Avoid direct sunlight exposure. Prolonged UV exposure degrades ASTA colour value and pungency levels.

Packaging

Moisture-Proof

Oxygen barrier packaging

Use moisture-proof, oxygen barrier packaging to prevent capsaicinoid degradation due to oxygen and moisture ingress.

Shelf Life

Up to 12 months

When stored under recommended conditions (below 25°C, below 65% RH, sealed moisture-proof packaging).

Available
Packaging

All packaging options meet food-grade compliance standards and are designed to preserve product integrity during long-haul international transit.

  • 25 kg food-grade PP bags
  • 50 kg food-grade PP bags
  • Jute bags with inner liner
  • Vacuum-packed or nitrogen-flushed bags on request
  • Bale packaging
Spice Market

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Byadgi pungency compare to other Indian varieties?

Byadgi is categorized as mild (12,000–17,000 SHU), which is significantly lower than high-heat varieties like Teja S17 (70,000–90,000 SHU).

What is the industrial advantage of Byadgi over synthetic dyes?

Its high ASTA colour value (100–200+) allows food brands to achieve a "Clean Label" status by replacing synthetic dyes like Red 40 with natural pigments.

Does cold storage affect the extraction yield?

Yes. Maintaining chillies in cold storage (4-6°C) can increase the amount of extractable oleoresin by 30-40% compared to ambient storage.

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