Mundu
Dry Red Chilli

The Mundu Chilli, which is commercially known as "S9 Chilli" and "Ramnad Mundu," is a high-end, spherical pepper from the Capsicum annuum family. It is primarily grown in the rain-fed, drought-prone Ramanathapuram district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and has secured the very coveted Geographical Indication (GI) status.

For the international food processing industry and the food sector as a whole, the Mundu pepper is important for its moderate heat (10,000-35,000 SHU) and superior flavor retention properties. It’s very distinct cherry-like spherical shape and thick skin have made the Mundu pepper a mainstay in the food industry for premium blends, authentic South Asian cuisine, and food coloring.

Mundu 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 Mundu Chilli Unique?

The uniqueness of Mundu chilli can be recognized based on its resilience in terms of its morphology and sensory properties. The name "Mundu" literally means "fat and round," a name that suits the sub-spherical shape of the Mundu chilli. Unlike other elongated shapes of chilies, Mundu chilli has a very thick pericarp, which helps in preserving the volatile oils during storage. The biological properties of the Mundu chilli are such that the crop is very tolerant of salinity and drought, thus grown in coastal agro-climatic conditions, giving the fruit its complex smoky flavor kinetics.

Distinctive Spherical Morphology

It provides structural integrity during mechanical processing and transit, thus reducing pod breakage.

Thick Pericarp (Skin)

It retains high moisture content during the initial stages of drying, thus retaining more volatile oils and imparting a rich, robust aroma during crushing.

Balanced Heat-to-Flavor Ratio

It provides a balanced heat content of between 10,000 to 35,000 SHU, making it an ideal base for mass market culinary blends without any overbearing capsaicin.

Geographical Indication Tag

It guarantees absolute genetic authenticity, premium positioning, and origin identification for discerning international markets.

Parameter Typical Specification
Botanical Name Capsicum annuum
Fruit Morphology Round to sub-spherical (cherry-like) pods.
Surface Texture Dark, shiny, and noticeably thick pericarp (skin).
Internal Anatomy High seed density; seed content accounts for approximately 50-60% of the pod.
Colour Transition Progresses from vivid green to a deep, yellowish-red or blood-red upon maturity.
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 Mundu
Chillies

These physical features are used by Agrocrops for rigorous quality control and grading during farmgate procurement in Southern India.

Pungency &
Chemical Profile

The product is tested for each export lot by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to confirm that the product meets specifications for extreme conditions of temperature and chemicals. Strict control of low moisture levels is maintained to ensure microbiological stability and prevent storage-borne fungi.

Parameter Range / Value Test Method
Scoville Heat Units (SHU) 10,000 – 35,000 SHU HPLC / Spectrophotometric
Total Capsaicinoids ~0.166% HPLC-FLD
Colour value 30 – 40 ASTA Spectrophotometry
Moisture Max 10% - 12% (Export Grade) AOAC
Foreign Matter ≤ 2% Visual/Mechanical Sortex

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 Mundu 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 Mundu Chillies

The change from farm to export-grade spice is a technically precise process to ensure the
variety's specific shape appeal and chemical potency.

Step 01

Strategic Harvesting The fruits are harvested as a rain-fed crop in multiple pickings at full red maturity.

Step 02

Controlled Sun Drying The chillies are subjected to natural sun drying on clean platforms such as raised cement floors or tarpaulins to dry the produce to below 12% moisture content without any risk of soil-borne pathogen contamination.

Step 03

Mechanical Cleaning The use of aspiration and gravity separators for the removal of dust, stones, and "Fatki" or discolored pods.

Step 04

Sortex & Metal Detection The use of optical sorters for the purpose of ensuring color uniformity and the use of metal detectors for the removal of impurities.

Step 05

Sterilization Options Steam, ETO, or Gamma for the purpose of meeting the stringent microbiological standards of the EU and USA markets.

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 Mundu

  • Spice Blends & Seasonings: The spice is used as a base spice for South Asian curry powder blends, Sambars, Rasams, and marinades for its moderate heat and smoky aroma.
  • Chilli Powder Manufacturing: The spice is highly sought after for the manufacture of commercial chilli powder due to its high seed content and thickness, imparting a unique texture and bright yellowish-red color.
  • Condiments & Pickling: The shape and thickness of the pods ensure the structural integrity of the product, and the whole Mundu chillies are highly sought after for the manufacture of premium quality pickles.
  • Food Coloring: The spice is used for culinary extraction for natural food colorants due to its specific carotenoid 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 Mundu 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 Mundu pungency compare to other Indian varieties?

Mundu (S9) is categorized as moderate heat (10,000–35,000 SHU). It is slightly hotter than standard Byadgi (8,000–15,000 SHU) but significantly milder than the intense heat of Teja S17 (75,000–110,000 SHU).

What is the significance of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Mundu?

The GI tag legally certifies that the chilli is authentically grown in the Ramanathapuram district of India. This guarantees that buyers receive the genuine seed variety cultivated in the specific highly saline, drought-prone soils that give the Mundu chilli its signature flavor profile.

Does your processing meet EU/USA pesticide norms?

Yes. Every batch is tested in NABL-accredited labs to ensure compliance with the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of the importing country.

Why are cold storage options recommended for this variety?

Mundu contains specific carotenoids that are sensitive to ambient heat. Storing at 5°C–12°C preserves the ASTA color value and volatile oils for up to two years, preventing early oxidation.

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