Khola Chilli is famous variety of Chilli grown on the hill slopes in Canacona Taluka located in South District of Goa. Named after the village where it is grown extensively, this Chilli is known for its taste and colour.
The Khola chillies are attractive red (brilliant red) in colour, longer in length and medium pungent in taste. The outer covering is thick hence less chances of breakage and has longer shelf life. The Chilli powder gives very attractive red colour when added in various food preparations and recipes.
Botanical name : Capsicum annum L
Local Name : Mirsang, Mirchi
Kingdom : Plantae
Family : Solanaceae
Genus : Capsicum
Khola Chilli Plant is an annual sub-herb; plants are herbaceous or semi-woody annuals or perennials. The Plant has upright habit, grows upto the medium height up to 80 cm in length and has narrow spread. The Plant has angled stem with pubescence.
Leaves are lanceolate in shape with medium undulation of leaf margin, tapering to a sharp point. Leaves dark green on the upper surface and pale green on the lower surface. The flowers are small, white and borne singly in the axils of the leaves. Flowering occurs after a span of around 30-45 days after transplanting. The fruits are semi dropping and solitary narrowly triangular in shape.
The peoples of khola village are cultivating this local chilli variety in almost every household on the slope of the mountains and open plains. Chillies are propagated through seeds which are first sown in nursery beds to raise seedlings. Farmers in Khola Village wait till the first rainfall for transplanting of the seedlings.
Once after the plant acquired and established its root in the land, the roots are covered with available leaves in forest (Motoshi, Kumyaleafs in Goan language) to avoid the soil erosion due to heavy rain. It also act as mulching to stop further weeding and finally as a green manuring to provide fertilizer to the chilli crop.
The Khola chilli is traditionally produced under organic way of production and No chemical fertilizer is used for Chilli plantation. Flowering commences 25-30 days after transplanting. On an average, Khola chilli produces about 400-500 flowers per plant. With average fruits up to 260-300 per plants.
Harvesting of chilli is done when the fruits are well ripened by Hand. The chilli fruits which are collected are then washed and spread out in thin layer and dried in direct sunlight. Upon proper drying the chilli is ready for consumption.
Chilly is used as an important ingredient in various curries and chutneys, either in green or dry form. Its paste is used as local stimulants to tonsils. In general chillies are rich in vitamins, Particularly Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They also contain good amounts of carbohydrates and proteins.
Value added products like Recheado masala, Green chilli pickle, Raw mango pickle, Red chilli sauce, Khola chilli powder and Khola chilli flakes are also prepared using Khola Chilli. Making of papad with Khola Chilli powder is also a household activity in the village.
GI Tag Registration Date : 28 August 2019
GI Tag Number : 618
Certificate Number : 356
Geographical Area : Goa
Special Cover Release Date : 27 August 2021
Cancellation : Panaji 403 001
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : MH/25/2021
2000 Nos of covers are issued and each cover is numbered. Cover has a QR code at the back side.
Enlarged View of Cancellation
Back side Scan of Cover
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