King chilli exported to Europe for the first time

A consignment of King Chilli or Bhoot Jolokia, from Nagaland, has been exported to London for the first time. This is a major boost to exports of Geographical Indications (GI) products from the north-eastern region. GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin

and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The Agriculture and Processed food production Export Development Authority (APEDA) had collaborated with the Nagaland State Agricultural Marketing Board  in sending samples for laboratory testing. And the results were encouraging as it is grown organically.

The consignment of King Chilli, also considered as world’s hottest based on the Scoville Heat Units (SHUs),  was sourced from Tening, part of Peren district, Nagaland and was packed at APEDA-assisted packhouse at Guwahati. Exporting fresh King Chilli posed a challenge because of its highly perishable nature. It is consumed fresh, dried or  in pickled forms and Nagas also use it for crop protection from pests. King chilli is reported beneficial against cancer cells, diabetes, obesity and also fights bad cholestrol. No wonder, Bhoo Jolokia is a prized Himalayan possession that is attracting spice junkies across the world.