Read Full Specification: Naga Raja Mircha (GI-109) +
Naga Raja Mircha: The King of Chillies
The Naga Raja Mircha (often referred to as the King Chilli, Ghost Pepper, or Bhut Jolokia) is a world-renowned variety of chilli indigenous to the state of Nagaland, India. It holds the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag No. 109, certifying its unique qualities that are attributable to its specific geographical origin.
Extreme Heat Profile
The Naga Mircha is the world's first naturally occurring chilli to exceed 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Unlike modern hybrids, its heat is evolutionary, developed over centuries in the bamboo-rich hills of Nagaland.
Distinctive Aroma
Beyond its pungency, the Naga Mircha is prized for its unique, volatile fruity aroma. This aromatic profile is lost when cultivated outside its native terroir of Nagaland.
Morphological Characteristics
- Shape: Sub-conical to conical.
- Skin Texture: Finely wrinkled, rough surface with spikes (a key indicator of high capsaicin concentration).
- Color Transition: Matures from Green to Red, and finally to a deep Mahogany/Dark Brown.
- Dimensions: Length ranges from 5.95 to 8.54 cm; Width at shoulder ranges from 2.5 to 2.95 cm.
- Weight: Average single fruit weight is 12 to 16 grams.
- Flesh: Extremely thin skin, emphasizing placental heat.
Geographical Origin & Cultivation
The Naga Mircha is extensively cultivated in four key districts of Nagaland: Kohima, Peren, Mon, and Dimapur. The cultivation methods are deeply traditional and intertwined with the region's ecology:
- Bamboo Co-Cultivation: The chillies thrive best in "Jhum" fields (shifting cultivation) and are often intercropped with bamboo and banana plantations.
- Terroir Impact: It is widely believed by local farmers that the older the land and the deeper the bamboo leaf litter, the hotter the chilli becomes.
- Climate: Grown in monsoon climatic conditions with high humidity, ensuring the development of its signature heat and flavor.
Source: Geographical Indications Journal No. 25, Government of India. Application No. 109.