Top Indian Chilli Varieties for Global Trade: Byadgi, Teja (S-17) and Syngenta HPH-5531

India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of red chillies, offering a wide range of varieties developed for colour, pungency, yield and processing performance. For international buyers and food processors, selecting the correct chilli variety is critical to achieve consistency in ASTA colour value, Scoville Heat Units (SHU), flavour and hygiene standards.
This article presents a practical, trade-oriented overview of three widely demanded Indian chilli varieties — Byadgi, Teja (S-17) and Syngenta HPH-5531 — with a focus on export suitability.

Byadgi Chilli — the premium colour variety of India

Origin: Karnataka, India Primary
use: High-colour chilli powder, oleoresin extraction, colour blending
Byadgi chilli is internationally recognised for its exceptionally high natural red colour and low pungency. It is widely used by spice processors and oleoresin manufacturers where colour intensity is more important than heat.

• ASTA colour value: 160–200 ASTA
• Pungency: 8,000–15,000 SHU (mild)
• Capsaicin: ~0.8–1.3%
• Appearance: Wrinkled pods, thick skin, deep dark red colour
• Byadgi Dabbi – short and round pods
• Byadgi Kaddi – long and slender pods

• Oleoresin and natural colour extraction
• Premium red chilli powder
• Blending with high-pungency varieties (such as Teja) to balance colour and heat
• Food manufacturers in Gulf, European and US markets

Teja Chilli (S-17) — the heat-focused export variety

Origin: Andhra Pradesh (Guntur region)
Primary use: High-pungency powders, spice blends, sauces
Teja chilli, also known as S-17, is one of India’s most traded high-heat varieties. It is valued for its strong pungency, uniform pod size and reliable availability.

• Pungency: 50,000–100,000 SHU
• ASTA colour: 60–70 ASTA
• Appearance: Long, smooth to semi-wrinkled pods

• Suitable for markets requiring high heat intensity
• Performs well in powder and crushed chilli applications
• Commonly blended with high-colour varieties like Byadgi

Syngenta HPH-5531 — a modern hybrid for consistent supply

Origin: Hybrid chilli variety
Primary use: Medium-heat powders, blended products, contract farming
HPH-5531 is a modern hybrid chilli developed for high yield, early maturity and consistent quality. It offers a balanced combination of good colour and moderate pungency, making it suitable for processors seeking stable raw material supply.

• ASTA colour: 150–160 ASTA
• Pungency: 35,000–40,000 SHU
• Advantages: Uniform pods, better field tolerance, predictable output

• Consistency in large-volume sourcing
• Reduced crop risk for contract growers
• Suitable for both domestic processing and export blending

About SAM INDIA TRADING COMPANY

SAM INDIA TRADING COMPANY is a spice trading and export-focused company specialising in red chillies and spice powders. We source directly from farmers and trusted suppliers, ensuring:

• Variety-specific sourcing
• Laboratory-tested quality parameters
• Export-compliant packing and documentation

We cater to buyers in Gulf countries, Europe and the USA, offering customised sourcing based on required ASTA, SHU and packing specifications.

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