Almora Lakhori Mirchi

Did You Know?

• It is called simply as Lakhori or Lakhor, and 'Mirchi' means chilli in the local Hindi language.
• Almora Lakhori Mirchi is used to make Lakhori yellow chilli salt, also known as Pahadi coloured salt.

Description

Almora Lakhori Mirchi is a yellow chili known for the wrinkles it develops as it dries. It comes in two types: the smaller Lakhori Jamri, packed with seeds and often made into flakes, and a larger size used whole or ground. This chili also goes into making Lakhori yellow chili salt. The Almora variety has a blunt tip, tightly packed seeds, and an intense heat, so only a little is needed. It is traditionally dried in the sun, which lets it keep all year. Snack makers prize it for flavoring chips and namkeens because its yellow hue blends right in. In the mountains, people often choose Almora Lakhori Mirchi over red chilies, believing it offers health advantages, making it a common swap.

Geographical indication

In November 2023, the Almora Lakhori Mirchi received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Indian government’s registry. The application for this recognition was submitted on April 11, 2022, by the Chokot Patti Farmers Producer Company Limited from Almora. The GI tag, granted by the registry in Chennai, ensures that only chilies grown in that specific region can be sold under the name "Almora Lakhori Mirchi." This chilli is the first from Uttarakhand to earn such a distinction and is the 19th product from the state to receive a GI tag.