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Red Chillies Drying Process: A Crucial Step in Chilli Powder Processing

Dry red chili is used as a seasoning all over the world. The best, most perfectly dried red chili can give any food a unique flavor and taste, especially when it’s used to “temper.” We can get this type of spice at the market. But the quality isn’t always up to what we expect. This makes us think of how we used to get fresh red chilies and dry them in the sun in our courtyard or on our deck.

Drying is an excellent way of preserving chillies. The thin walls of the fruits make them quick and easy to dehydrate, ensuring a ready supply of crinkle-dry chillies to enjoy right up until next year’s harvest. Dried chillies are just as versatile as fresh chillies. You can store them in containers, grind them into a paste and even infuse oil or vinegar with these warming wonders.

Red Chillies in India

Chilli, also known as mirch in India, is a South American fruit that the Portuguese brought to the subcontinent four centuries ago. They are commonly used to impart heat to dishes in a variety of cuisines. Chili peppers originated in Mexico and spread to the rest of the globe, where they are used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Today, they are used to add heat and flavor to dishes all over the globe.

Red chilies originated were brought to India by Portuguese traders.  Now India tops in the cultivation of dry red chili peppers.

Before the Portuguese introduced red chillies to India in the 16th century, Indians added heat to their cuisine with other spices. Long pepper (grown in Bengal in East India) and black pepper (grown along the Western Coast, particularly in Malabar in Kerala) were the two most common ingredients used to season Indian cuisine.

Long pepper, also known as pipli, belongs to the same family as black pepper, the Piperaceae. It is a long, slender pod that is approximately 2 to 3 inches long and has a mildly fragrant flavor. Long pepper is indigenous to India and was used in Indian cuisine for centuries before red chiles were introduced.

Also a member of the Piperaceae family is black pepper. It is a small, round, desiccated berry that is ground into a powder. Black pepper is indigenous to South India and has been one of the world’s most coveted commodities for centuries. It was used in Indian cuisine as well as other global cuisines.

Important Steps in Red Chilli Powder Processing

The method for chili powder processing includes the steps of removing chilies’ bases, selecting, cleaning and drying chilies into crispy chilies, packaging the chilies in a vacuum bag, sealing and storing. The vacuum bag is flattened and kneaded to make use of chili powder.

Removing the stems of the chilies – In this stage, the stems or bases of the chilies are removed.

Selecting and Cleaning – Chilies are picked based on their quality, cleaned to remove any dirt or impurities, and then dried till crispy.

Packing – The dried chiles are packed in a vacuum bag before being packaged.

Sealing and storing – The vacuum bag containing the dried chiles is sealed and kept for subsequent use to maintain freshness.

Final Step – When the chilies are ready to be used, the vacuum bag is flattened and kneaded, which crushes the dried chilies and yields chili powder.

The red chillies processing method has a number of advantages. The flavor and nutritious components of the chillies are retained by drying them without smashing them first, which helps increase the quality of the chili powder. Furthermore, by putting the chillies into crispy shape prior to packaging, the procedure of obtaining chili powder becomes easier later on. 

Furthermore, the vacuum packaging prevents the chilies from turning to powder during storage, preserving the quality of the chili powder and ensuring its freshness. To improve the preservation of the chilies, inert gasses can be added to the hoover bag.

How to Dry Red Chillies?

Red chillies drying is an ideal method for preserving an abundant harvest or surplus for future use. When properly prepared, dried chilies can be used as-is or rehydrated (reconstituted) with water. 

While chillies have a reputation for being tough to cultivate, they aren’t quite as dangerous as some gardeners believe. With a little care and practice, you’ll soon be harvesting your own devilish fruits. Even a single chili plant can produce considerably more fruit than most people can consume in a fruitful year, so you’ll need to find a means to store them for future use.

There are numerous ways to dry red chillies including:

Sun drying

This traditional technique of red chillies drying process involves spreading chilies in a thin layer in direct sunlight on clean, flat surfaces such as concrete or mats. They are periodically rotated to ensure uniform drying. Depending on the weather and the desirable moisture content, drying by the sun can take several days to several weeks.

Air drying

Chilies can also be dried by air in a well-ventilated, well-circulated space. They can be suspended in groups or laid out on racks or screens. This red chillies drying method may take longer than sun drying, but it is frequently used in areas with limited access to sunlight or excessive humidity.

Dehydrator drying

Chillies can be dried efficiently using commercial food dehydrators. These devices provide controlled heat and airflow, enabling uniform and rapid drying. Typically, the chillies are distributed on dehydrator trays and dried at a low temperature for several hours.

Oven drying

This is a quicker method of dehydrating, you can use an oven. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting (roughly 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 60 to 65 degrees Celsius). Place the red chilies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly and preventing them from touching. Place the baking sheet in the oven and prop open the oven door to enable moisture to escape. Check the chili peppers frequently and turn them periodically to ensure even drying. The drying duration varies, but is typically a few hours.

Red Chilli Suppliers in India

India’s spice industry meets both domestic and global demands with efficiency and scale. However, finding reliable red chili suppliers for import-export purposes is a challenge due to various factors.

EXPORA  is a trusted red chilli supplier in India. We address the challenges in this trade by working closely with a network of trusted red chili manufacturers, ensuring a consistent supply of red chillies varieties. EXPORA sources responsibly and conducts rigorous quality control. We offer personalized packaging solutions for private labels of chilli. EXPORA exports whole red chillies as well as chilli powder.

Conclusion

Drying chilli peppers is an ideal way to preserve an abundant harvest or leftover supply for future use. Dried chillies are very versatile, and when done correctly, you can use them as-it-is or re-constitute (hydrate) them in water. Either way, drying chilli peppers provides you with an additional way to utilize this incredible vegetable. 

Knowing how to dry chillies properly depends upon several conditions, such as airflow, weather, and humidity levels. Choose whichever method works best for your environment to get the best results.

India’s Fiery Delights: Discovering the different types of Red Chillies grown in India

Did you know India is the world’s largest producer of chillies? 

Indeed, it is! 

It has a roughly 37 share of the global market. India is not only the largest producer but also the largest consumer of chillies. It is one of the most popular spices used in Indian cuisine and households!

Apart from being a spice, chilli peppers also offer numerous health benefits. Dried chili peppers, which are typically sun-dried in significant quantities, contain approximately 100 times more vitamin A than their fresh counterparts. They are also beneficial to the digestive system, heart health, joint pain relief, weight loss, migraine prevention, cancer risk reduction, and allergy prevention.

Without chili, Indian cuisine would be incomplete. They are an essential and integral component of every dish we consume. Let’s have a closer look at types of red chillies, their origin and their specialities.

Origin of Red Chilli

Chilli, also known as mirch in India, is a South American fruit that the Portuguese brought to the subcontinent four centuries ago. They are commonly used to impart heat to dishes in a variety of cuisines. Chili peppers originated in Mexico and spread to the rest of the globe, where they are used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Today, they are used to add heat and flavor to dishes all over the globe.

Red chilies originated were brought to India by Portuguese traders.  Now India tops in the cultivation of dry red chili peppers.

Before the Portuguese introduced red chillies to India in the 16th century, Indians added heat to their cuisine with other spices. Long pepper (grown in Bengal in East India) and black pepper (grown along the Western Coast, particularly in Malabar in Kerala) were the two most common ingredients used to season Indian cuisine.

Long pepper, also known as pipli, belongs to the same family as black pepper, the Piperaceae. It is a long, slender pod that is approximately 2 to 3 inches long and has a mildly fragrant flavor. Long pepper is indigenous to India and was used in Indian cuisine for centuries before red chiles were introduced.

Also a member of the Piperaceae family is black pepper. It is a small, round, desiccated berry that is ground into a powder. Black pepper is indigenous to South India and has been one of the world’s most coveted commodities for centuries. It was used in Indian cuisine as well as other global cuisines.

Red Chillies in India

Many people believe that Indian food would be lacking something essential if it did not make extensive use of chilli peppers. No other cuisine in the world can compare to the flavor and spices that chiles add to each dish.

Grown across different regions, they add a fiery and flavorful kick to various dishes. From the smoky Kashmiri chilies to the intensely spicy Bhut Jolokia, India offers a wide variety of chili peppers.

Farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Rajasthan carefully cultivate these chilies in fertile soil and favorable climates. After harvesting, the chilies are dried, ground, or used fresh to enhance the taste of everyday meals, turning them into delightful culinary experiences.

Red chilies hold cultural significance in India as well, being used in traditional remedies and festive celebrations. Their intense heat not only satisfies the taste buds but also enlivens the senses, making them an indispensable ingredient in Indian cuisine. Red peppers help your body digest food, relieve pain, and keep your lungs healthy. In Indian culture, red chillies are used at events to scare away bad spirits and bring good luck. Red peppers add depth of flavor and visual appeal to many kinds of food, whether they are used as a spice, garnish, or condiment.

Types of Red Chillies Grown in India

India is one of the largest producers and consumers of red chillies in the world. The country has a wide variety of red chili cultivars, each with its unique characteristics in terms of heat level, flavor, and color. Here are three popular types of red chillies grown in India

Type 1 – Kashmiri Chillies

Characteristic: Kashmiri chillies are known for their vibrant red color and mild to medium heat. 

Grown in: They are primarily grown in the Kashmir region of India and are popular for their use in Kashmiri cuisine. 

Kashmiri chillies are prized for their deep red color, which adds a rich hue to dishes without making them excessively spicy. They are often used in powdered form to lend a beautiful red color to curries, sauces, and marinades.

Kashmiri red chillies are the least hot of the Indian chili kinds but nonetheless a popular choice because of their eye-catching scarlet hue. Even though their heat isn’t particularly noticeable, these red chiles are much sought after all over India. These red chillies range from 1,000 to 2,000 SHU on the Scoville scale, making them suitable for a wide variety of applications, from marinades and pickles to gravies and stews. 

Kashmiri chillies are widely used as a culinary ingredient in India and Pakistan. The slight sweetness of these little red peppers sets them different from other peppers, and makes them more tasty than hotter kinds like cayenne and jalapeno.

In terms of exports, Kashmiri chillies have seen significant demand in global markets. India exports most of its Kashmiri mirch to Nepal, Australia and United Kingdom and is the largest exporter of Kashmiri mirch in the World.

Type 2 – Byadgi Chillies

Characteristic: They are known for their unique wrinkled appearance and moderate heat level. 

Grown in: Byadgi chillies are widely cultivated in the state of Karnataka in southern India. Byadgi chillies are dark red in color and have a slightly smoky flavor. They are commonly used in South Indian cuisine, especially in dishes like sambar (a lentil soup) and various chutneys. Byadgi chili powder is also used for its vibrant color and flavor in spice blends.

Byadagi chiles, often called Kaddi chillies, are cultivated in the Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Byadagi chilies, which are more fiery than most chilies, register between 8,000 and 15,000 SHU on the Scoville scale. This chili type, which is used in Goda Masala and other Maharashtrian spice mixes, is quite similar to paprika. Byadagi chiles are not spicy despite their outside crinkly appearance. 

Byadgi chillies have seen substantial demand in international markets. India exports most of its Byadgi chilli to Malaysia, United States and Indonesia and is the largest exporter of Byadgi chilli in the World.

Type 3 – Guntur Chillies

Characteristic: They are known for their high heat levels and are considered one of the hottest red chili varieties in India.

Grown in: Guntur chillies are primarily grown in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, a state in southern India. Guntur chillies are commonly used to make chili powder and chili flakes. They add a fiery kick to dishes and are an integral part of many spicy Andhra and Telugu cuisines.

The name “Guntur red chili” comes from the city of Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, and the chili is used extensively in Andhra cuisine. This red chili type is becoming increasingly common, so farmers in Madhya Pradesh have started cultivating some of their own. The Scoville heat units (SHU) of Guntur chilies, which account for over 30 percent of India’s red chili export, range from 30,000 to 40,000. 

The Teja Chilli is a premium chilli pepper from the Guntur (chilli) region.  Among the various varieties of chilies sold in India, this is one of the most in-demand ones. Teja chilli is one of the strongest chilies in India, with a fiery, piercing heat. 

The global popularity of Guntur chillies can be attributed to their intense spiciness, which adds a fiery kick to dishes.  India exports most of its Chilly guntur to the United States, Australia and Saudi Arabia and is the largest exporter of Chilly guntur in the World.

Other Types of Red Chillies

Apart from the major 3 types of red chillies, there are more chillies available in the market with different specifications. Here are some of them:

Bird’s Eye Chili 

This fiery chili pepper, also known as Dhani mirchi, was developed in Manipur and Mizoram, where it is cultivated extensively. The Bird’s Eye Chilli is quite fiery, with a Scoville scale rating of 30,000 to 100,000 SHU. They add a serious kick to dishes and may be found in everything from curries to stews. Although most Bird’s Eye chiles are red, green and orange varieties exist. 

Mathania 

Mathania chillies, sometimes called Lal Badshah of Rajasthan, are the key ingredient in many popular Rajasthani cuisines. The chilies are named for the town of Mathania, near Jodhpur, where they are grown. When the chili is still relatively fresh, it is soaked in mustard oil and eaten as a pickle in addition to its more common uses in dishes like curries and gravies. On the Scoville scale, these peppers fall between 50,000 and 70,000. 

Bhoot Jolokia  

The ghost pepper, or Bhoot or Bhut Jolokia, is popular in the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, and some parts of North Bengal. The Scoville heat unit (SHU) value of this pepper is 1,041,427, making it extremely spicy. Those who can handle the heat will find that dishes prepared with Bhoot Jolokia, such as chutneys, pickles, and the spiciest of curries, are wonderful. Take care if you’re not accustomed to working with it. 

Boriya 

This round, fiery chili is called Boria mirchi in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where it is farmed. Because of their vivid red color and distinctive spherical form, they are adorably adorable when raw. This medium-hot chili is a staple in Andhra and Tamil cooking, where it is used in everything from dals and curries to marinades for fish. The Scoville scale revealed that despite their diminutive size, these round chilies pack a mighty punch, with scores between 800,000 and 1,000,000 SHU.

Khola Chilli

Growing conditions for the Khola chili in Goa’s Canacona hills are ideal. Its flavor and hue have made it famous. Mango pickles, red chili sauce, and the famous recheado’ paste used for stuffing all feature this vivid red chili as a crucial ingredient.

Mundu Chilli

Small, round, and thin-skinned, they are predominantly grown in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The taste of mundu is unlike anything else. They add a distinctive flavor to various foods while being barely peppery.

Red chilli suppliers in India

India’s spice industry meets both domestic and global demands with efficiency and scale. However, finding reliable red chili suppliers for import-export purposes is a challenge due to various factors.

EXPORA is a trusted red chilli supplier in India. We address the challenges in this trade by working closely with a network of trusted manufacturers , ensuring a consistent supply of red chillies varieties. EXPORA sources responsibly and conducts rigorous quality control. We offer personalized packaging solutions for private labels of chilli. EXPORA exports whole red chillies as well as chilli powder. 

Conclusion

India’s diverse climate and temperature enable the cultivation of numerous chili varieties, each with unique aromas, tastes, and levels of heat. Being the world’s largest producer and consumer of chillies, India’s love for this versatile and flavorful spice is evident. The country is home to different types of red chillies varieties, offering a rich selection to spice buyers.

What is Cargo Insurance: Exploring Meaning, Types, and Benefits

As an importer or exporter of agro commodities, protecting your valuable shipments during transportation is of utmost importance. This is where cargo insurance plays a vital role. Many different types of cargo insurance coverage are available to protect a wide range of business objectives.

When goods or cargo are in transit, they are vulnerable to potential damage caused by unforeseen road or sea events. In the event of an explosion caused by road incidents or the sinking of container ships, cargo owners will not be adequately compensated by the carrier’s liability. 

In this blog, we’ll explore cargo insurance’s meaning, the benefits of cargo insurance, types of cargo insurance, how cargo insurance works, cargo insurance cost, and much more…

What is Cargo Insurance?

Cargo insurance is a key risk mitigation strategy since it safeguards against monetary losses caused by cargo being lost or damaged in transit. 

Cargo insurance provides protection against various unfortunate events during the transportation of goods. It covers a wide range of risks, including vehicle accidents, cargo abandonment, damages caused by natural disasters, acts of war, instances of piracy, and more. This insurance serves as a safety net, ensuring that businesses and individuals are financially safeguarded from the potential losses incurred due to the loss or damage of cargo while in transit.

It’s not the same as carrier liability and covers just up to the amount covered. Land cargo insurance covers ground transport, while marine cargo insurance protects shipments traveling by sea or air.

Importance and Benefits of Cargo Insurance

The import-export business involves numerous risks that can result in significant financial losses. Cargo insurance offers the following benefits:

1. Financial Protection

In case of unforeseen incidents, cargo insurance covers the cost of lost or damaged goods, mitigating potential financial setbacks.

2. Risk Management

By transferring the risks associated with transportation to the insurance provider, cargo insurance allows you to focus on your core business operations.

3. Compliance and Peace of Mind

 Many trade contracts and regulations require cargo insurance, ensuring compliance and providing peace of mind to both importers and exporters.

Types of Cargo Insurance

Cargo insurance can be categorized into three types based on the method of transportation: 

  • Road or surface transportation insurance
  • Air transport insurance
  • Marine cargo insurance

It’s worth noting that cargo insurance typically covers the entire journey, regardless of the specific modes of transport used. 

While there are notable differences between transportation types, cargo insurance is generally categorized according to coverage details, according to Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC).

The Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC) defines three distinct types of cargo insurance, which allow for a comprehensive understanding of the coverage provided. These 3 types of marine cargo insurance provide varying levels of coverage for different risks. Type C offers the minimum coverage, Type B provides medium coverage, and Type A, commonly referred to as all risks, offers the highest level of coverage. Let’s dive into specifics of these:

Type A (All-Risk Insurance)

This provides broad coverage for most common perils during transportation. It offers protection against physical loss or damage from external causes, but certain exclusions apply like customs rejection, cargo abandonment, etc.

Type B (With Average Insurance)

With this coverage, total loss events and partial loss of below deck cargo are treated as total loss scenarios. With Average (WA) coverage is often taken out to extend Type C contracts, as it provides additional protection from extreme weather events. It can be extended to include additional protection for theft, pilferage, and non-delivery.

Type C (Free of Particular Average Insurance)

This is a specialized policy provision that covers only total loss events. It does not cover partial losses and is typically used for specific perils, such as sinking, stranding, fire, or collision.

How does Cargo Insurance Work?

Cargo insurance typically involves the following steps:

Policy and Coverage: The owner of the cargo or the party responsible for insuring it obtains a cargo insurance policy from an insurance provider. The policy outlines the terms, conditions, and coverage details.

Declaration: The insured party declares the details of the cargo to the insurance company, including the nature of the goods, their value, and the mode of transportation.

Premium Payment: The premium is determined based on two key factors: the value of the cargo being insured and the desired level of coverage. Several variables come into play when determining the premium amount, including the nature of the goods being transported, how they are packaged, the specific mode of transportation utilized, the designated route, and the deductible selected by the insured party. 

Coverage Period: The cargo insurance policy specifies the coverage period, which typically starts from the time the goods leave the origin location until they reach the destination. Some policies may also include coverage during storage or intermediate stops.

Loss or Damage: In the event of loss, damage, or theft of the cargo within the policy period, the insured party initiates a claim with the insurance company. The claim submission comprises essential documents such as the bill of lading, packing list, commercial invoice, and evidence substantiating the incurred loss or damage. 

Claim Evaluation: The insurance company reviews the claim and assesses the extent of the loss or damage. They may investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the condition of the cargo, the packaging, and the transportation process.

Claim Settlement: Once the claim is approved, the insurance company provides compensation to the insured party based on the terms of the policy. The settlement amount is typically determined by the actual value of the cargo at the time of the loss, minus any applicable deductibles or exclusions mentioned in the policy.

Cargo insurance does not provide comprehensive coverage for all risks and its terms and conditions can vary depending on the policy type and agreements made between the insured and the insurance provider.

It is recommended to thoroughly examine the policy documents and seek advice from an insurance professional to fully comprehend the specific details and restrictions of the cargo insurance coverage being obtained.

How much does Cargo Insurance cost?

The cost of cargo insurance varies depending on multiple factors, including the nature of goods, transportation mode, destination, coverage type, and risk factors. Generally, the insurance premium is calculated as a percentage of the cargo’s value, ranging from 0.02 to 2 or more.

At EXPORA, we have a dedicated team that specializes in working closely with insurance companies. Our expert team excels at securing highly competitive rates for cargo insurance, negotiating premiums as low as 0.02 for you.

Cargo Insurance Calculator

The calculation of cargo insurance cost is not that difficult, but you must accurately assess the value of the insured products. Typically, the cargo insurance premium for a particular shipment is calculated on 110 of the accessible value of the cargo multiplied by the premium percentage.

Consulting with insurance providers and utilizing online cargo insurance calculators can give you a more accurate estimate based on your specific trade requirements.

Conclusion 

Cargo insurance is a crucial risk mitigation tool for businesses engaged especially in international trade. It helps protect against financial losses due to damage or loss during transit and provides peace of mind to both the cargo owner and their customers. 

Selecting the optimal marine cargo insurance provider for your goods requires careful consideration of your specific requirements..

By understanding what cargo insurance is, its types, cost, and benefits, businesses can make informed decisions regarding the protection of their cargo and can choose the right insurance company.