With a vibrant red hue and a tasty flavor, Kashmiri Chilli is a kind of pepper that is grown, as the name goes, in the region of Kashmir. It is cultivated more for its flavor and color, than for its mild heat or spiciness. These come in a variety of grades- the more the grade, the more its vibrancy.
It has an enjoyable fruity undertone to its taste, which makes it a great addition especially to Indian curries, adding both some heat and fruitiness to the food. In fact, it can be lightly sprinkled on cheeses and fruits, giving them a hot-and-sweet punch!
With regard to its nutritional components, it has a high amount of vitamins A and C, which boost immunity. It also has sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, and protein, all of which fulfill a host of daily nutritional requirements of the body.
Unsurprisingly enough, India is the largest producer, exporter, and consumer of Kashmiri Chilli.
BENEFITS
Its lovely taste, mild heat but extremely rich nutritional value makes Kashmiri Chilli a source of innumerable health benefits.
- Rich in Vitamin C, it helps in strengthening immunity, enhancing skin condition, and maintaining the health of blood vessels.
- It is a rich source of antioxidants that are crucial for neutralizing free radicals and converting them to the body’s benefit.
- It is infused with copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese- iron is crucial for increasing the number of red blood cells, while it also boosts the oxygen-carrying capacity of cells; and, the other minerals advance cell metabolism, maintain the fitness of the heart and the arteries, and build bone-health.
- Copper and iron are also vital for the generation of new blood cells.
- Problems of indigestion and intestinal gas problems can be solved by regularly consuming Kashmiri Chilli.
- It is an abundant source of the B-complex group of vitamins like Riboflavin, Niacin, and Thiamine. The vitamin B-complex group is crucial for energy production and is tremendously favourable for the nervous system. These also aid in proper digestion, boosting memory and focus by eliminating the harmful homocysteine, an amino acid that compromises brain health.
- It is a good supplier of vitamin A and flavonoids, which improve hair, skin, and nail health.
- It has an incredible detoxifying capacity which functions to flush out waste products from the body.
- Talking of its “respiratory” benefits, it can successfully cure cold, nasal congestion, and support better respiration.
USES
Given their fruity taste, mild spiciness, and vibrant hue, Kashmiri Chilli is most commonly used in its powdered form. However, it can be used in its fresh and dried-down forms too. It is used in curries, vegetables, soups, stews, and sauces to give them a rich color and tasty flavor. It can also be used as an added condiment sprinkled over fruits to give them a hot-and-sweet taste. Furthermore, it is copiously used in the preparation of pickles of all kinds; in this, the chilli is mixed with many other herbs and spices, oil, and some fruit or vegetable of choice. Besides this, dried-out or fried forms of Kashmiri Chilli can be used to prepare the hot sauce.
A delectable pepper variety loaded with myriad health benefits and a host of ways for consuming it, Kashmiri Chilli could prove to be a useful switch in your daily dietary practices, promoting good body functioning and keeping a plethora of illnesses and diseases at bay!