Ramnathapuram Mundu Chilli

Ramnathapuram Mundu Chilli is a distinctive round, thick-skinned chilli grown in Ramanathapuram district, valued for its deep red colour and moderate, balanced pungency. Unlike the long slender chillies of other regions, the mundu chilli is short and almost ball-shaped, with a thick flesh that yields a rich red colour when dried and ground. It is well adapted to the hot, dry climate and the black cotton and coastal soils of the district, where it is largely grown as a rain-fed crop. The chilli's colour and mellow heat make it especially prized for adding colour to curries, spice powders and pickles without overwhelming pungency. A traditional crop of the region, it is an important source of income for the dryland farmers of Ramanathapuram and a recognisable local variety in Tamil Nadu's spice basket.