The Virudhunagar Samba Vathal (chilli), a distinguished variety grown primarily in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, India, has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition is based on an application submitted by the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board and the Virudhunagar Chillies Merchants’ Association.
This chilli is prized for its unique flavor, moderate heat, vibrant red color, wrinkled texture, and medium size. Its aromatic profile, blending smokiness and spiciness, makes it a popular ingredient in South Indian cuisine, used extensively in spice blends, pickles, and seasonings. The chillies are characterized by their long, slender shape (6-6.5 cm) with sharp tips and bulged shoulders.
While primarily cultivated in Virudhunagar, it’s also grown in Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, and Thoothukudi districts. Major markets are located in Virudhunagar, Sattur, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram. The Virudhunagar district is particularly known for its chilli-processing industry, especially oleoresin extraction. The chilli's pungency (0.24% capsaicin) makes it favorable for value-added products.
The Gazetteer of India (1972, Government of Tamil Nadu) highlighted Sattur Samba Chilli cultivation in Sattur, Rajapalayam, and Virudhunagar, noting its export to Ceylon via Thoothukudi.
Virudhunagar Samba Chilli which has got geographical indication tag. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Virudhunagar Samba Vathal (Chilli) has got geographical indication tag based on the application made by Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board and Virudhunagar Chillies Merchants’ Association.
A distinguished variety of chilli, Virudhunagar Samba Chilli is grown in Virudhunagar district and is known for its unique flavour, moderate heat and vibrant red colour.
Its wrinkled texture and medium size make it stand out in South Indian cuisine.
Known for its aromatic profile, it features a balance of smokiness and spiciness, enhancing the taste and appearance of dishes. It is widely used in traditional spice belnds, pickles and seasonings.
The Samba Chilli is grown in Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Thoothukudi districts with major markets located in Virudhunagar, Sattur, Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram.
The long with slender shape of the chillies, measuring 6 to 6.5 cm with sharp tips and bulged shoulders is referred to as Vriudhunagar Samba Vathal.
Virudhunagar district is significant for chilli-processing industry, especially for oleoresin extration. The pungency level, with 0.24% capsaicin content, makes it a preferred choice in spice production, especially for its role in value-added products.
The traditional farming practices employed in this region help preserve the chilli’s authentic taste and nutritional benefits.
The Gazetteer of India, published by Government of Tamil Nadu, in 1972, has highlighted the Sattur Samba Chilly cultivation in the areas of Sattur, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar. The variety popularly known as Sattur Samba (Sannam/Slender) is exported to Ceylon via Thoothukudi”.
Published - April 09, 2025 08:55 pm IST
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