The Warangal Chapata Chilli, popularly known as “Tomato Chilli,” is likely to receive the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India. This will be an acknowledgement of the distinct characteristics of the chilli, grown in Warangal, Telangana, for over 80 years. Mild pungency, bright red color, and thick walls distinguish the Chapata Chilli from other varieties and are of great cultural and agricultural importance in the region.
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The Warangal Chapata Chilli is believed to have originated from the Nagaram villages in Jammikunta Mandal, where the oldest source is the Nadikuda Village. Gradually, the chilli spread to the neighboring villages through seed-sharing practices, particularly among the Velama community. Such a historical practice not only showcases the farming culture of Warangal but also emphasizes the importance of retaining indigenous crops.
Here are some of the reasons that sets it apart from other chillies…
Mild Pungency: Unlike most chilies that provide scorching heat, this has little pungency so would work really fine as a spice to your mild culinary preparations. It boasts a high intensity for its color, so these flakes are used often for enacting or adding color in most spicy blends.
Distinct Shapes: There are three types of fruits: single patti, double patti, and odalu. Thick walls give it a tomato-like blocky appearance. It has been nicknamed “Tomato Chilli.”
GI application and facilitation
Its GI application was made in 2022 for Warangal Chapata Chilli by Thimmampet Chilly Farmer Producer Company Ltd. It has been facilitated by the Janna Reddy Venkat Reddy Horticultural Research Station, Mahabubabad, and Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University. The key facilitator from the technical compliance aspect for this application is Subhajit Saha, GI practitioner, and founder of Resolute4IP.
Capsaicin content and uses
The Warangal Chapata Chilli contains a moderate level of capsaicin, and hence it is slightly pungent. Capsaicin is the compound, which gives chillies their pungency and is often associated with many benefits, such as metabolism improvements and anti-inflammatory properties. With well-balanced heat and the bright color, this chilli finds its wide usage in powdering spice, in a variety of culinary dishes and traditional recipes in Telangana.
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Importance of GI Tag
GI tagging doesn’t just recognize the inherent attributes of the Warangal Chapata Chilli, but it also serves as an interest protection to the farmers. The tag guarantees the prestige and premium received for this particular chili both at home and worldwide. Also, with this GI tag, conservation of the native crop is encouraged for its existence even after some time in the future.
Being spicy and long standing on its agricultural heritage, vibrant appearance has made the Warangal Chapata Chilli an integral part in the culinary traditions of Telangana. It becomes evidence that holds much cultural and economic value by achieving the GI recognition. And hopefully, it brings some positive impacts upon the farmers cultivating these super chillies.
(Thumb image courtesy: Instamart)
