Dundicut Pepper
Also known as Dundicut chili · gol lal mirch
The Dundicut pepper is a small, round chili from Pakistan's Sindh region, often called the national chili of Pakistan. It delivers hot heat (30,000-65,000 Scoville units) with fruity, complex flavor notes and is typically used dried in curries and sauces. Its berry-like shape and dark red color make it distinctive in Pakistani and Indian cuisine.
About 2.4 times a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU typical).
Growing
~80 days to maturity
Fruit size
1.3–2.5 cm
Flavor & Use
Lightly fruity aroma and taste with sun-burnt bitterness and full-bodied complexity; reminiscent of Scotch Bonnet but milder in heat.
Culinary
About
Dundicut peppers are small, round to teardrop-shaped chilies measuring approximately ½ to 1 inch in diameter. They mature from green to a deep, dark red and develop a wrinkled, raisin-like texture when dried. Native primarily to the Sindh province of Pakistan, with cultivation also noted in parts of India and Nepal, this Capsicum annuum cultivar is a staple in South Asian cooking. Its flavor profile includes lightly fruity aromas, a sun-burnt bitterness, and full-bodied complexity, often compared to Scotch Bonnet peppers but with noticeably less heat. Dundicuts are most commonly sold and used dried, where just a couple crushed peppers can flavor an entire dish. They excel in curries, chutneys, hot sauces, spice blends, and marinades for meats and seafood. The pepper is frost-sensitive and thrives in warm climates, making it a popular choice for home gardeners in suitable regions. It is also occasionally found in commercial bird seed mixes due to its appeal to parrots.
Backstory
Originating in Pakistan's Sindh region (particularly Tharparkar), the Dundicut is widely regarded as the national pepper of Pakistan. It features prominently in local cuisine and has also been incorporated into commercial parrot food mixes for its appeal to birds.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreWe don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Dundicut Pepper?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 30,000–65,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat
- What does Dundicut Pepper taste like?
- Lightly fruity aroma and taste with sun-burnt bitterness and full-bodied complexity; reminiscent of Scotch Bonnet but milder in heat.
- How do I grow Dundicut Pepper?
- Dundicut Pepper: about 80 days to maturity, warm subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Dundicut Pepper?
- Scotch Bonnet, Cayenne