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.
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.
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.
Because of its uniquely high capsaicinoid concentration, it is the premier choice for medical and cosmetic extraction, including pain-relief ointments and wellness supplements.
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.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
This variety ensures consistent SHU value delivery, which helps to calibrate the heat level in food preparations.
EXPORT DESTINATIONS
ANNUAL SUPPLY CAPACITY
Storage conditions will also help in preserving the pungency and preventing loss of quality.
Preferably below 15°C
Keep away from heat sources. Refrigerated or cool-room storage preferred for long-term quality retention.
Controlled dry conditions
Humidity above 65% accelerates mould growth and capsaicinoid degradation. Use desiccant packs in humid climates.
UV-protected environment
Avoid direct sunlight exposure. Prolonged UV exposure degrades ASTA colour value and pungency levels.
Oxygen barrier packaging
Use moisture-proof, oxygen barrier packaging to prevent capsaicinoid degradation due to oxygen and moisture ingress.
When stored under recommended conditions (below 25°C, below 65% RH, sealed moisture-proof packaging).
All packaging options meet food-grade compliance standards and are designed to preserve product integrity during long-haul international transit.
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.
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.
Kanthari chillies are typically exported in the following forms to suit different industrial requirements:
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.