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The Naga Mircha is a variety of ghost pepper grown in the Indian state of Nagaland, belonging to the nightshade family Solanaceae. It is the first chilli or even the first of goods of any kind from Nagaland to be awarded a GI tag.

The chilli is an indigenous treasure of Nagaland, deeply rooted in the region's lifestyle since ancient times. For generations, farmers in Nagaland's chilli-growing areas have cultivated Naga Mircha Chilli, relying on it as a primary source of income and livelihood. This iconic chilli is an integral part of Nagaland's culinary identity, inseparably linked to the local community as a staple ingredient.

Name

It is locally also known as "Chudi Chilli", and famously known as Naga Mircha (Chilli from Nagaland) or Raja Mircha, which translates to "King of Chillies" in the local language.

Description

These chillies, one of the world's hottest chillies, transforms from green to vibrant red at maturity. Characterized by its sub-conical to conical shape, it measures 2.5-2.95 cm in width and 5.95-8.54 cm in length, with each fruit weighing 12-16 grams. Notable features include finely wrinkled skin, thin flesh, and an intense, fruity aroma, complemented by an extraordinary pungency that distinguishes this variety.

Geographical indication

It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government of India on 02/12/2008 (valid until 21/08/2027).

The Secretary, Department of Horticulture & Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, from Kohima, proposed the GI registration of Naga Mircha. After filing the application in August 2007, the chilli was granted the GI tag in 2008 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Naga Mircha" exclusive to the chilies grown in the region. It thus became the first chilli variety from Nagaland and the first type of goods from Nagaland to earn the GI tag.

See also

• Sirarakhong Hathei chilli
• Mizo chilli

Notes

1. Meghvansi, M. K.; Siddiqui, S.; Khan, Md. Haneef; Gupta, V. K.; Vairale, M. G.; Gogoi, H. K.; Singh, Lokendra (28 October 2010). "Naga chilli: A potential source of capsaicinoids with broad-spectrum ethnopharmacological applications". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 132 (1): 1–14. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2010.08.034. ISSN 0378-8741. PMID 20728519. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
2. "Effect of spacing and nutrient management in Naga King Chilli for its quality attributes and soil nutrient status under poly-house condition" (PDF). The Pharma Innovation Journal. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
3. Sharangi, Amit Baran (21 March 2018). Indian Spices: The Legacy, Production and Processing of India's Treasured Export. Springer. p. 49. ISBN 978-3-319-75016-3. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
4. "King Chilli 'Raja Mircha' from Nagaland exported to London for the first time". Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
5. "10 types of chillies enjoyed across India". recipes.timesofindia.com. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
6. "Nagaland's Raja Mircha exported to Europe for first time". HindustanTimes. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
7. "The many shades of red". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
8. Rana, M. K. (1 June 2014). Vegetables and their Allied as Protective Food. Scientific Publishers. ISBN 978-93-86237-56-9. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
9. "GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS JOURNAL NO.25 AUGUST- 11 , 2008" (PDF): 37. Retrieved 29 October 2024. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
10. "A Tale of two chillies". The Indian Express. 20 August 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
11. "Gobble Down Momos With a Naga Flavour at Dzukou". The New Indian Express. 30 March 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
12. "Naga tribes' vibrant culture, rich heritage exemplify India's motto of 'Unity in Diversity': President Murmu". The Indian Express. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
13. "Raja Mircha, World's Hottest Chilli, Makes Its Way From Nagaland To London For The First Time". NDTV Food. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
14. "The hottest item in town". The Hindu. 14 November 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
15. Bhandari, Shashwat; News, India TV (28 July 2021). "'Raja Mircha' aka 'King Chilli' from Nagaland exported to London for the first time". www.indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 29 October 2024. {{cite news}}: |last2= has generic name (help)
16. "Naga chilli: A potential source of capsaicinoids with broad-spectrum ethnopharmacological applications". ResearchGate GmbH. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
17. "PM Modi wonders who has eaten world's spiciest Raja Mircha! Nagaland grown GI product exported to London". Financialexpress. 29 July 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
18. "World's hottest chilli: Nagaland CM Rio releases India Post's special cover on Naga Mircha". India Today. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
19. Variyar, Prasad S.; Singh, Inder Pal; Adiani, Vanshika; Suprasanna, Penna (8 November 2024). Peppers: Biological, Health, and Postharvest Perspectives. CRC Press. ISBN 978-1-040-15384-0.
20. "The hottest chillies in the world!". Retrieved 29 October 2024.
21. "Nagaland gets patent rights for Naga King Chilli". The Times of India. 25 October 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
22. "Many GI-tagged products hold potential to boost exports: Commerce Ministry - ET Retail". ETRetail.com. Retrieved 29 October 2024.

• Naga cuisine
• Indian spices
• GI Tagged Chillies of India
• Economy of Nagaland
• Agriculture in Nagaland
• Geographical indications in Nagaland
• Capsicum cultivars