Red chillies come in various varieties, each with unique properties. The specifications depend on factors like variety, processing, and intended use (food, pharmaceutical, or industrial). Below are the general specifications for whole red chillies:
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Whole, dried red chillies, free from mold, insects, and foreign matter
Color: Bright red, deep red, or dark red (depending on variety)
Odor & Taste: Pungent smell with characteristic spicy taste
Size (Length): 3 cm - 15 cm (varies by variety)
Skin: Wrinkled or smooth (depends on drying method and variety)
Moisture Content: Max 10-14%
Broken/Discolored Pods: Max 5%
Chemical Properties:
Capsaicin Content: 0.2% - 2% (variety-dependent)
Scoville Heat Units (SHU):
Low Pungency: 500 - 5,000 SHU (e.g., Kashmiri, Byadgi)
Medium Pungency: 5,000 - 15,000 SHU (e.g., 334, Wonder Hot)
High Pungency: 15,000 - 100,000+ SHU (e.g., Guntur Sannam, Teja)
ASTA Color Value: 80-200 (higher value indicates a more vibrant red color)
Total Ash: Max 8%
Acid Insoluble Ash: Max 1.5%
Crude Fiber: Max 30%
Non-Volatile Ether Extract (Oleoresin Content): 12-18%
Microbiological Standards:
Total Plate Count: Max 100,000 CFU/g
Yeast & Mold: Max 1,000 CFU/g
Coliforms: <10 CFU/g
E. Coli: Absent
Salmonella: Absent
Aflatoxins:
B1: Max 5 ppb
Total (B1, B2, G1, G2): Max 10 ppb
Contaminants & Adulterants:
Pesticide Residues: As per country-specific regulations (FSSAI, EU, FDA)
Heavy Metals:
Lead (Pb): <2 ppm
Cadmium (Cd): <1 ppm
Arsenic (As): <1 ppm
Artificial Colors/Dyes (Sudan I-IV, Rhodamine B, etc.): Must be absent
