Kanthari
Dry Red Chilli

The Kanthari chilli, scientifically known as Capsicum frutescens, and internationally known as the Bird's Eye Chilli, is the "dynamite" of the Indian spice trade. This variety of chilli, grown almost exclusively in the rich and biodiverse soils of the Western Ghats region of India and the North-Eastern states of our country, is an exceptionally small pepper that has a colossal, scorching heat that completely belies its tiny size.

The Kanthari chilli is the very essence of the term "high-impact" for international food manufacturers, pharmaceutical extractors, and artisanal hot sauce brewers who need a chilli that delivers immediate, sharp, and lingering heat. Though commercial chillies like the popular Wonder Hot are cherished for their intense redness, the Kanthari is highly coveted for its explosive capsaicin content and medicinal properties. If your product formulation requires pure, unadulterated heat with a clean, fruity undertone, the Kanthari is the undisputed champion.

Kanthari 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 Kanthari Chilli Unique?

What makes the Kanthari unique is its small size and its incredible content of capsaicin. This chilli is just a centimeter or two in length
and grows upwards towards the sun, giving it a naturally high concentration of oils. This chilli has a rapid and intense heat,
allowing for a greater sensory experience without affecting the color profile of the end result.

Micro-Morphology

Its incredibly small size (typically 1 to 2.5 cm) is densely packed with capsaicin, delivering massive heat efficiency. A tiny amount yields a colossal impact in bulk manufacturing.

Explosive Pungency

With fierce heat levels soaring between 1,50,000 – 200,000 SHU, you drastically reduce the volume of raw material needed to achieve your target spice level, optimizing production costs.

High Pharmaceutical Demand

Because of its uniquely high capsaicinoid concentration, it is the premier choice for medical and cosmetic extraction, including pain-relief ointments and wellness supplements.

IPM & Pesticide Safety

Often grown in natural homesteads and specialized farms, we offer curated batches grown under Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols, ensuring strict "clean label" compliance for the EU and Japan.

Parameter Typical Specification
Botanical Name Capsicum frutescens
Fruit Morphology Exceptionally small and slender, ranging from 1 cm to 2.5 cm in length. Pointed and sharply tapered.
Skin Texture Very thin, taut skin that tightly encases a high volume of fiery seeds, making it highly optimal for fast solvent extraction or fine milling.
Internal Anatomy Extremely high seed-to-fruit ratio. The densely packed seeds are the primary engine of its intense, explosive heat.
Color Transition Transitions from pale green (or sometimes ivory white) to a bright orange-red or deep red upon drying.
Stem Attachment 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 Kanthari
Chillies

Pungency &
Chemical Profile

The Kanthari brings aggressive, ultra-high-efficiency heat. This makes it an essential foundational ingredient for premium hot sauces, specialized extracts, and extreme spice blends where a sharp, memorable "kick" is the non-negotiable goal

Parameter Range Method
Scoville Heat Units (SHU) 1,50,000 – 200,000 SHU HPLC / Spectrophotometric
Total Capsaicinoids ~0.45% – 0.70% HPLC-FLD
Colour value 50 – 60 ASTA Spectrophotometry
Moisture Max 10 - 12% (Export Grade) AOAC
Foreign Matter Strictly kept between 1% - 2% Mechanical Sortex

Microbiological
Standards

Low moisture levels are strictly maintained to ensure microbiological stability and prevent the proliferation of storage-borne fungi

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 Kanthari 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 Kanthari Chillies

We consider the processing of the Kanthari as an extremely specialized science. Owing to its minuscule size, processing demands an enormous
degree of precision to maintain the natural capsaicin content of the Kanthari perfectly intact from the farms to your doorstep.

Step 01

Labor-Intensive Harvesting Since the Kanthari pods measure micro-minuscule in size, the entire harvesting process is conducted through labor-intensive hand-picking to procure only fully ripe and undamaged chillies.

Step 02

Hygienic Drying Our method of sun-drying the pods on raised platforms or clean tarpaulins completely eliminates the risk of soil-borne bacteria and molds.

Step 03

Aspiration Cleaning Our state-of-the-art gravity separators carefully remove dust, micro-stones, and light pods without crushing the fragile chillies.

Step 04

Optical Sortex Equipped with high-speed cameras, any non-uniform or discolored pods are removed to ensure flawless physical quality of the entire lot of Kanthari chillies delivered to you.

Step 05

Microbial Reduction For clients who demand extremely sensitive food safety levels, we offer comprehensive Steam or ETO Sterilization.

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 Kanthari

  • Capsaicin Extraction (Pharma/Cosmetics): The high capsaicinoid content makes it the best raw material for extracting active ingredients for medicinal pain-relieving creams, weight loss aids, and defense sprays.
  • Artisanal & Commercial Hot Sauces: A key ingredient for the formulation of premium "extreme heat" hot sauces, Thai curries, and other fiery Asian sauces where a clean, sharp pungency is desired.
  • Pickling & Infusions: Utilized as a whole pepper for the premium pickling industry as well as for infusing high-end culinary oils and vinegars.
  • High Efficiency Blending: Utilized by spice blenders as a "heat booster" to significantly enhance the Scoville rating of a proprietary blend without affecting its red color profile.

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 Kanthari 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

Why is Kanthari generally more expensive than regular commercial chillies?

The high cost is due to the high labor costs involved in picking the chillies. Because they are extremely small in size, measuring only 1-2 cm, it takes much longer to collect one kilogram of chillies compared to other varieties like Mahi Teja or Wonder Hot. Moreover, the high demand from the pharmaceutical industry also adds to the value.

Why is Kanthari chilli highly valued in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries?

Kanthari chilli contains a high concentration of capsaicinoids (approximately 0.45% – 0.70%), which are active compounds used in pain-relief creams, muscle ointments, topical treatments, and wellness products. Its strong capsaicin content makes it an efficient raw material for extraction processes.

What forms of Kanthari chilli are available for export?

Kanthari chillies are typically exported in the following forms to suit different industrial requirements:

  • With Stem
  • Stem Cut
  • Stemless

These formats are suitable for spice grinding, extraction processes, and whole chilli culinary applications.

How should Kanthari dry red chillies be stored for long shelf life?

To maintain quality and pungency, Kanthari chillies should be stored in cool, dry, and well-ventilated conditions with controlled moisture levels. Proper storage helps preserve capsaicin content, prevent fungal growth, and maintain product quality during long-distance export shipments.

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Division No: 612 Revenue Ward 55, Ankireddypalem, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, 522005