Topic: Which brands of chilli powder should I use?

[Vinda looo]

What are your best tried and trusted brands of chilli powder. I have now tried quite a few and it seems that there is a vast difference in some of them eg, colour, smell, taste and even strength. I think this is a very important part of the recipe to get right as the taste of a final dish can be so different. I ran out of chilli powder the other day so I went to Asda to get some, when I made up my curry with it I couldnt beleive how different the taste and colour was, for the worst I might add. Dont use Asda's it will ruin your meal.

[Chilli Prawn]

You are so right VL.  But I dont think sticking with one particular supplier helps either, except maybe for confidence in quality.  The problem is that the stuff is traded like any other commodity and is generally price driven.  Therefore a spice merchant may source his spice (especially chillies) from many parts of the continent/globe and then blend them to achieve what his standard is (hopefully).  That is why you can go to an Asian grocer and sometimes see different shades of  (any) spice even though they are from the same supplier.  This is more evident now that the Red Sudan colouring scam has been stopped.  It is an interesting point though:  Do you think that these merchants test for the Scoville units on their batches of chillis?  Nah, they probably eat a spoonful and guage its quality and heat the following morning  :-[ : ;D

CP

[Curry King]

Hi Vind aloo,

I always try and get "Rajah Extra Hot Chilli Powder",  funnily enough I buy this from Asda as it's cheaper than even the local asian market! 

cK

[King Prawn]

My favourite BIR uses Rajah, he says that it is the best quality. But I do have a packet of thier chilli powder and it's hotter than their 'extra hot' one 

Asda prices on the packets of spice are much cheaper than the indian shops and even the cash and carry.

KP(V)

[spicysarsy]

  Yep, It's Rajah everytime for me too Vinda looo.

[curryqueen]

Yes I use Rajah Extra Hot Chilli powder  accompanied with scotch bonnet chillies too and also get it from my local Asda.  They do lots of powdered spices but not so many whole spices in my local one.   CQ

[mike travis]

Yes me too Rajah from Asda.......... ;D

[King Prawn]

..with scotch bonnet chillies too 

Have you tried Naga Morich yet? They are much hotter and have a lovely chilli/lemony flavour that doesn't dominate a dish (as SB;s can in my experience)

But then again, maybe you like the flavour of them

KP(V)

[Chilli Prawn]

Anyone know a reliable brand for mild chilli powder please.  I find Natco and TRS a bit unrelieble and have blown the guts out of some curries as a reult.

Thanks
CP

[wardy11]

Hi has anyone tried spices from Julian Graves. I find them very good. The chilli powder is
very hot tho!!