Description
Species: Annuum, Easy to grow, High yield, Indian, Upper Mid Heat
Sannam Chilli belongs to the Capsicum annuum species, cherished for its robust growth and flavourful yield.
Taste Profile
With a taste reminiscent of Cayennes, Sannam Chilli offers a fiery kick perfect for adding depth to curries or creating homemade chilli powder.
Heat Level
Sannam Chilli presents an upper mid-level heat, ideal for those who enjoy a spicy kick without overwhelming intensity. It is rated around 18,000 to 30,000 SHU on the Scoville scale.
Texture and Appearance
characterised by thick, deep red pods measuring 6-8 cm long, Sannam Chilli features a robust skin, making it suitable for various culinary applications.
Size of Plant
When cultivated in the ground, Sannam Chilli plants can reach over a meter in height, presenting a bountiful harvest for chilli enthusiasts.
Culinary Uses
These chillies are versatile, perfect for enhancing the flavour of curries or dried and ground into homemade chilli powder for an added kick to dishes.
Growing and Care
Sannam Chilli plants thrive in well-draining soil and require regular watering to maintain optimal growth. They can be grown in pots or in the ground, offering an abundance of chillies with minimal effort.
Fun Facts
🔥 Old is Gold!
S4, also known as Sannam, is one of the first chilli varieties to be widely grown and exported from India—way before hybrids were even a thing!
📍 Hometown Hero
This legendary chilli hails from Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu, and it’s still going strong across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
🚢 India’s OG Export
Up until the 1990s, S4 was basically the chilli India sent out into the world. If you were buying Indian chillies back then—chances are, it was S4.
🔬 Lookalike Squad
Chilli varieties like 334 and Super 10 are so similar to S4 in size, color, and heat that they’re often grouped together under the same name.
📦 Mega Crop Alert
India produces around 200,000 metric tons of dried S4 chillies every year—that’s a LOT of spice!
👑 Chilli Icon Status
With its perfect balance of color, flavor, and moderate heat, S4 isn’t just a chilli—it’s an icon in the Indian spice world.