Banaras Lal Bharwamirch (Red Pickle chilli)

Banaras Lal Bharwamirch (Red Pickle Chilli)
Banaras Lal Bharwamirch Achaar - Ripened red stuffed chilli in pickle form
SpeciesCapsicum annuum
OriginUttar Pradesh, India

The Banaras Lal Bharwamirch (Red Pickle Chilli) is a variety of chilli grown in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.[1] It is mainly cultivated in Varanasi, Azamgarh, Jaunpur, Ghazipur & Ballia districts of Uttar Pradesh.[2]

Name

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It is named after its place of origin, the region of Banaras (also known as Varanasi), located in Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh. Lal means Red relating to its colour; Bharwa means stuffed as it is exclusively used in traditional pickles while Mirch means Chilli - in the local Hindi language.[3]

Local name

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It is known as Lal Sona - meaning Red Gold in the local Hindi language.[4]

Description

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The Banaras Lal Bharwamirch, has unique characteristics - When grown in the field, its skin is exceptionally thick, but upon stuffing with spices, it gradually thins, becoming delicate like paper. This mildly spicy chilli is predominantly used for Banarasi Lal Mirch Bharwa Achar (stuffed pickle), a beloved and traditional condiment.[5][6][7] Notably, the unripe Banarasi Lal Mirch is non-bitter, but gradually develops a bitter taste upon ripening, adding to its culinary significance.

Geographical indication

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It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government of India on 30/03/2024 (valid until 02/02/2032).[8]

Pragatisheel Arajiline Farmer Producer Company Limited Represented by Mr. Shyam Bihari Lal Verma from Varanasi, proposed the GI registration of Banaras Lal Bharwamirch (Red Pickle Chilli). After filing the application on 03/02/2022, the chilli was granted the GI tag in 2024 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Banaras Lal Bharwamirch (Red Pickle Chilli)" exclusive to the chilies grown in the region. It thus became the first chilli variety from Uttar Pradesh and the 61st type of goods from Uttar Pradesh to earn the GI tag.[9][10]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ "Banarasi Paan among 4 Varanasi products get GI tag". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  2. ^ "Sweet delight for Varanasi as Banarasi paan, langda mango enter GI club". India Today. 4 April 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  3. ^ "The many shades of red". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  4. ^ "फूलपुर:लाल सोना भरुआ मिर्च की आवक शुरू , देश के कोने कोने होती लाल मिर्च का होता है निर्यात". Dainik Bhaskar. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  5. ^ Vishal, Anoothi (25 September 2016). Mrs LC's Table: Stories about Kayasth Food and Culture. Hachette India. ISBN 978-93-5009-592-8.
  6. ^ Kapoor, Sanjeev (31 December 2011). Cooking With Olive Oil. Popular Prakashan. ISBN 978-81-7991-497-7. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  7. ^ "How to make Stuffed Red Chilli Pickle". recipes.timesofindia.com. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  8. ^ "Geographical Indications". Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  9. ^ "⚡Banarasi Paan Among Four Varanasi Products Get Geographical Indication Tag". LatestLY. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  10. ^ Bureau, ABP News (4 April 2023). "Banarasi Paan, Langda Mango, 2 Oher Products Awarded Geographical Indication Tag". news.abplive.com. Retrieved 3 November 2024. {{cite news}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
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