HotPepperIndex
Capsicum frutescens

Mizo Chilli

Mizoram, India
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Also known asMizo Tei · Vaihmarchate · Bird's Eye Chilli · Hmarchte · Hmarcha · Vaimarcha · Mizoram Bird's Eye Chilli
Scoville
0SHU
Heat0%
37k–120k SHU · Wikipedia (37,153 SHU); Proudly Made in India (80,000–120,000 SHU)

The Mizo Chilli is a small, intensely hot variety of Capsicum frutescens native to Mizoram in Northeast India. Renowned for its potent heat and distinctive fruity-peppery flavor, it is a staple in local cuisine and holds Geographical Indication status.

The Mizo Chilli, also recognized as a regional landrace of Bird's Eye Chilli, features small, thin, pointed fruits that turn bright red when ripe. Grown primarily through traditional jhum shifting cultivation in the hilly terrains of Mizoram, it is prized for its high capsaicin content and aromatic qualities. Local farmers hand-harvest the mature red pods, which are then sun-dried to preserve their vibrant color and intense pungency. This variety is integral to Mizo culinary traditions, commonly incorporated into fiery pastes, pickles, chutneys, and everyday dishes such as Bai and Sawhchiar. Its heat is balanced by subtle fruity and earthy notes, making it versatile for both fresh and dried applications. The pepper has deep cultural significance, symbolizing hospitality and self-reliance in the region, and has been exported to neighboring countries for use in spicy sauces and noodle preparations. Nutritionally, it is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and capsaicin, which contributes to its medicinal uses for pain relief and metabolism support.

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Backstory

Indigenous to the misty hills of Mizoram, India, the Mizo Chilli has been cultivated for generations using traditional jhum methods by local communities. It received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2015, the first chilli from Mizoram to earn this recognition, protecting its regional authenticity and quality. The variety is highly valued for its intense heat and is exported widely.

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Flavor

Intense fiery heat balanced by subtle fruity and peppery undertones with an earthy aroma.

fruitypepperypungentearthy

Culinary uses

pickleschutneyshot saucescurrieschilli pastestraditional Mizo dishes

Q&A

Substitutions

Thai Bird's EyeSiling LabuyoKanthari Chili

Related variants

Appearance

Skin
smooth and thin
Shape
small pointed conical bird's eye
Length
1-2 cm
Diameter
0.5 cm
Color ripe
bright red
Color unripe
green

Growing

Sun
full sun
Soil
well-drained loamy
Notes
Traditional jhum shifting cultivation, organic practices with neem sprays, rain-fed on hill slopes
Water
moderate
Harvest
August to October or November to March
Plant height
up to 1-1.5 m
Days to maturity
90-120

Nutrition

Iron
13.5 mg
Fiber
25 g
Protein
12.5 g
Calories
282 kcal per 100g dried
Capsaicin
0.8-1.2%
Vitamin C
144 mg
Carbohydrates
56 g

Origin detail

Region
Mizoram
Country
India

Tags

hotindianbird's eyefrutescensnortheast indiagi-tagged

Sources

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2 sources · 6 searches · 4.1k reasoning tokens · Added May 15, 2026, 21:07 UTC
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