Sirarakhong Chilli / Hathei Chilli Dried (GI-Tagged)
- Tellicherry Black Pepper
- Idukki Green Cardamom
- Lakadong Turmeric
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Estimated delivery: May 19 - May 23
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Free return within 30 days of purchase.
Product description
Harvested from Naga villages spread across Tankhul Village in Sirarakhong, Manipur where it is considered a 'God's gift', our GI-Tagged Sirarakhong Chilli has a high ASTA Colour value of 151- 165. Seasonal with high demand, our Sirarakhong Chilli even has it's own festival.
According to legend, the chilli variety was found by Sirarakhong's elders while hunting in the jungle. Additionally, the community has a traditional song devoted to Hathei in which the chilli is linked to the Tangkhul Naga tribe's cherished shawl known as 'Khuilang.'
Main issues faced by Sirarakong is low yield, only 20-25 Tonnes are harvested and 95% is consumed inside the Manipur state. This makes the chilli expensive when sold outside the site.
Paprika or Coloured chillies is known for its high colour and low pungency. It has wide use in culinary preparations, pharmaceuticals and confectionary as a natural colourant. Good quality paprika should have an ASTA (American Spice Trade association) colour value of 120 and above. Sirarakong Chilli is one of the finest varieties of Paprika found in the world.
The fruits of the Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli are incredibly versatile, whether used green or red. Dried chillies are highly valued for their bold, spicy flavor, making them a key ingredient in curried dishes, curry powders, and seasonings. Dehydrated green chillies are not only a flavorful addition to various recipes but also a rich source of Vitamin C, offering a nutritious boost alongside their vibrant taste.
Sirarakhong village, home to around 400 households and a population of 2,200, thrives on chilli cultivation, which serves as the primary source of income for its residents. The village produces an impressive 5,000 kg of dried chilli annually, with each household typically harvesting between 100 to 300 kg every six months. However, the farmers face significant challenges in transporting their harvest due to the hilly terrain and poor road conditions, which make it difficult to bring large quantities to Imphal. As a result, most of the chilli is sold locally in Ukhrul, while the bulk is marketed in Dimapur, Nagaland, where its exceptional quality is highly valued.
The origins of the Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli are shrouded in mystery, with no written records to trace its history. However, local lore paints a fascinating picture of its beginnings.
Long ago, an elderly villager stumbled upon an unfamiliar plant while out hunting in the wild. Intrigued, he brought it back and nurtured it in his homestead, unaware of its true identity. When the plant eventually blossomed and bore fruit, the villagers discovered it was a chilli plant—a serendipitous find that would shape their community’s legacy.
In the Tangkhul dialect, the word for bitterness is “Ha,” leading to the name "Hathei" for this unique chilli. From that fateful discovery, the cultivation of Hathei Chilli has been lovingly passed down through generations, becoming an integral part of the village's identity and culture. Today, the Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli continues to thrive, celebrated for its distinctive flavor and deep-rooted heritage.
Additional information
| Name | Sirarakhong Chilli / Hathei Chilli Dried (GI-Tagged) |
|---|---|
| SKU | nm-sc-sp-wd-SS-20 |
| Vendor | Nilgiri Marten Spices |
| Weight | 20G, 100G, 250G, 500G, 1KG |
Shipping & return
Shipping
- Dispatch within 24 hours of order confirmation
- Free shipping on all orders above ₹1000 within India
- Flat ₹90 shipping on orders below ₹1000
- Delivery within 2 to 5 business days across India
- International delivery available, 7 to 14 business days depending on destination
- Cash on Delivery available on select pin codes at checkout
Returns and Exchanges
We pack every order with care and ship fresh from our Wayanadu warehouse. If something is not right, we will make it right.
- Damaged, expired, or incorrect items are eligible for replacement or refund within 7 days of delivery
- Notify us within 24 hours of delivery at aswinpk@nilgirimarten.com or WhatsApp +91 97783 07321
- Share a photograph of the damaged product and the outer packaging to help us process your claim quickly
- We do not accept returns on opened or used products, which is standard for food and spice products under FSSAI regulations
- Refunds are processed within 7 business days of return confirmation to the original payment method
- Return shipping costs are covered by us for damaged or incorrect items. For other returns, return shipping is the buyer's responsibility
Tracking and Delivery
You will receive a tracking link via email and SMS once your order ships. Deliveries are made Monday through Saturday. If you are unavailable, our courier will attempt delivery up to three times before returning the parcel. For any delivery issues, reach out to us on WhatsApp and we will coordinate directly with the courier.
International Orders
We ship to most countries worldwide. International customers are responsible for any customs duties or import taxes charged by their country. Please ensure your shipping address and contact details are accurate at checkout.
Product reviews
Discovery Kit FAQs
How long will the spices stay fresh?
All three spices are packed fresh within weeks of harvest. When stored in the original pouches in a cool dark cupboard, Tellicherry Black Pepper and Idukki Cardamom stay fresh for 18 to 24 months. Lakadong Turmeric Powder stays fresh for 12 months. We print the batch date on every pouch so you know exactly when it was packed.
Is the Discovery Kit suitable as a gift?
Yes. The Kit ships in a clean mailer with three GI tagged single origin spices, three printed origin story cards, and a coupon card inside. It is a natural first gift for anyone who cares about food, cooking, or ingredients. If you want us to ship directly to the recipient with a handwritten note, WhatsApp us on plus nine one nine seven seven eight three zero seven three two one with the gift message and we will include it at no extra cost.
Can I choose different spices in the Kit?
The Discovery Kit has a fixed composition of Tellicherry Black Pepper, Idukki Green Cardamom, and Lakadong Turmeric. These three are our most celebrated single origin spices and the clearest introduction to what single origin tastes like. For custom combinations, we recommend ordering the individual full size packs from our collection page. If you want to build a custom gift kit for bulk gifting, reach out to us directly on WhatsApp.
What exactly is a GI tag and why does it matter?
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a legal certification from the Government of India that certifies a product originates from a specific geographical region and carries unique qualities that come from that origin. Idukki Green Cardamom holds GI number 72, Lakadong Turmeric holds GI number 336, and Tellicherry Black Pepper is part of the Malabar Pepper GI registration. A GI tag guarantees authenticity and origin, similar to how Champagne must come from the Champagne region of France. It is the strongest proof that a spice is genuinely from where it claims to be from.
How do I use the ₹100 coupon inside the Kit?
Every Discovery Kit ships with a coupon card printed on card stock. The coupon code is written on the card. Apply it at checkout on nilgirimarten.com for ₹100 off any order above ₹500. The coupon is valid for 60 days from the date you receive your Kit, and it works on full size packs of any spice from our collection.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept UPI, debit and credit cards, net banking, and digital wallets like PhonePe, Paytm, and GooglePay at checkout on nilgirimarten.com. For international orders, all major cards work. We do not offer Cash on Delivery currently. If you prefer to pay via direct bank transfer or UPI before we ship, WhatsApp us on plus nine one nine seven seven eight three zero seven three two one and we will share details.
How quickly will I receive my Kit?
We dispatch every Kit within 24 hours of order confirmation from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 2 to 5 business days across most Indian metros and tier one cities, and 3 to 7 business days in other locations. You will receive tracking details via email and SMS once the order ships. For international orders, delivery takes 7 to 14 business days depending on destination.
Are the spices organic?
Our spices are sourced from small farmers who follow traditional, low input farming practices, most of which are naturally organic. However, we do not currently carry formal organic certification on the Discovery Kit spices, because the farmers we work with run small holdings where certification overhead is not viable. What we do certify is origin, purity, and traceability. Every spice in the Kit is GI tagged, FSSAI compliant, and lab tested. No artificial colours, no fillers, no adulterants.