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Placeholder image for Naga Mircha (King Chilli) — Nagaland (Agricultural)
Agricultural · Nagaland

Naga Mircha (King Chilli)

GI Registered Nagaland Agricultural

One of the world's hottest chillies — over a million Scoville units, smoked over Naga kitchen fires.

GI numberGI-160
Registered
Goods class31
ProprietorNagaland state agencies
StateNagaland

The story

The Naga Mircha — bhut jolokia's Nagaland lineage — once held the Guinness record as the world's hottest chilli at over 1,000,000 Scoville units. In Naga kitchens it is used with surprising restraint: a single pod smoked above the hearth flavours an entire pot of pork. The 2008 GI ties the name to Nagaland's hills, where the humid climate and traditional smoking give the pod its distinctive fruity fire.

How it is made

  1. Grown in jhum fields and kitchen gardens across Naga hills.
  2. Harvested red-ripe by hand (with respect).
  3. Traditionally smoke-dried on racks above kitchen hearths.
  4. Sold whole, dried, or pounded into fiery pickles and chutneys.

◈ How to identify the authentic Naga Mircha (King Chilli)

What to check

  • Wrinkled, pointed pods with thin walls; smoky aroma when dried.
  • Heat is immediate and enormous — 1M+ SHU.
  • Fruity top-note before the burn, unlike flat commercial extracts.
  • GI-tagged produce from Nagaland grower groups.

Where to buy

Authorised producers for this recent registration are not yet listed in our dataset. Check the GI Journal entry for authorised users, and prefer government emporia and cooperatives in Nagaland.

Registry record

Registry record: GI-160 · Registered 2008 · Proprietor: Nagaland state agencies

Region and market

Naga Mircha, the Naga king chilli, is grown in Nagaland and neighbouring parts of north-east India, and it is used in cooking, pickles and chutneys. A little goes a long way, and Naga cooks often combine it with smoked pork, fermented bamboo shoot and fresh herbs. The chilli's heat has drawn worldwide interest, and it is now processed into powders, sauces and dried pods for national and export markets.

Buying guide

Buy from Nagaland farmer groups or reputable food companies that state the origin and processing details. Look for wrinkled, deep red pods with a smoky or fruity aroma, and handle with gloves, since the oils can burn skin and eyes. Start with a very small amount when cooking. Store dried pods or powder in a sealed jar, and keep them away from children and pets.

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Naga Mircha (King Chilli)?

This catalogue lists Naga Mircha (King Chilli) as GI-160. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.

Where is Naga Mircha (King Chilli) made?

Naga Mircha (King Chilli) is produced in Nagaland, in the agricultural category of this catalogue.

Can Naga Mircha (King Chilli) legally be made outside Nagaland?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Nagaland may legally sell goods under the name “Naga Mircha (King Chilli)”.

How can I tell if my Naga Mircha (King Chilli) is authentic?

Check the registered proprietor against the official registry, buy from authorised producer cooperatives, and use the identification checklist on this page.