Almora Lakhori Mirchi
| Almora Lakhori Mirchi | |
|---|---|
| Species | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Uttarakhand, India |
| Scoville scale | 50,000-55,000[1] SHU |
The Almora Lakhori Mirchi is a variety of chilli grown in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.[2][3] It is Uttarakhand's favourite home-grown chilli.
Name
[edit]It is named after its place of origin, the region of Almora, located in Kumaon division of Uttarakhand while Mirchi means Chilli - in the local Hindi language. It is called simply as Lakhori or lakhor.
The etymology of "Lakhori" mirch traces back to Lakhora, a village on the Garhwal-Kumaon border of Uttarakhand, where this unique chili variety was first cultivated.[4]
Description
[edit]Lakhori mirch is characterized by its yellow color and distinctive wrinkles that appear during the drying process.[5] This variety is classified into two sizes: the smaller Lakhori Jamri, renowned for its high seed content and use in mirchi flake production; and the larger size, commonly employed whole or powdered for various culinary purposes.[6][7] It is also used in making Lakhori yellow chilli salt (flavored salt).
Almora Lakhori Mirchi, is characterized by its blunt tip, compact seeds, and extremely hot flavor profile, making it suitable for use in small quantities. Traditionally sun-dried, this mirchi can be stored year-round and is highly sought after by namkeen makers for flavoring chips and namkeens, as its yellow color blends well with snacks. In mountain regions, Almora Lakhori Mirchi is preferred over red chilies due to perceived health benefits, making it a popular substitute.
Geographical indication
[edit]It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government of India on 08/11/2023.[8][9][10]
Chokot Patti Farmers Producer Company Limited from Almora, proposed the GI registration of Almora Lakhori Mirchi. After filing the application on 11/04/2022, the chilli was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Almora Lakhori Mirchi" exclusive to the chilies grown in the region. It thus became the first chilli variety from Uttarakhand and the 19th type of goods from Uttarakhand to earn the GI tag.[11]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ "From the hills to the chef's pantry". Mintlounge. 11 August 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Bharat, E. T. V. (5 August 2022). "India's first Himalayan Spice Garden thrown open to promote 'nutritious spices'". ETV Bharat News. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ "Uttarakhand forest department sets up spice garden to boost sale of spices found in Himalayas". The Times of India. 5 August 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Prakash, Megha (17 January 2019). "The flavoured salts of Uttarakhand". Down To Earth. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ "First-of-its-kind Himalayan spice garden inaugurated in Ranikhet - CNBC TV18". CNBCTV18. 4 August 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ "Uttarakhand forest dept dedicates first Himalayan Spice Garden to locals". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ "First-of-its-kind Himalayan spice garden inaugurated in Ranikhet". The Indian Express. 5 August 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ "Geographical Indications". Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
- ^ "18 more U'khand products get GI tag". The Times of India. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Kandavel, Sangeetha (9 November 2023). "Products from Uttarakhand bag GI tags". The Hindu. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ "GI tag for 7 indigenous products of Uttarakhand". The Times of India. 30 September 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
