Dry Red Chilli variety · Regional type
Guntur Sannam (S4 Type)
Also known as Sannam S4, S334, Super 10
Guntur and Prakasam districts, Andhra Pradesh · Regional Research Station, LAM, Guntur; farmer selection and maintenance
Long thin pods (5–15 cm × 0.5–1.5 cm) with thick skin, high pungency (35,000–40,000 SHU, 0.226% capsaicin), ASTA colour ~32. Primarily used for capsaicin extraction, oleoresin, and export. Trades in four graded types: Sannam Special (SS), Sannam General (SG), Sannam Fair (SF), and wrinkle types.
Key facts
| Type | Regional type |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guntur and Prakasam districts, Andhra Pradesh |
| Breeder / source | Regional Research Station, LAM, Guntur; farmer selection and maintenance |
| Parentage | Indigenous Capsicum annuum var. longum through farmer selection; stabilized by LAM RRS |
| Yield | Annual production across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana reported around 280,000 tonnes |
| Tolerance | Adapted to Guntur-Prakasam-Warangal-Khammam cotton-soil regions; no specific disease tolerance data available |
| Distinctive features | Belongs to Capsicum annuum var. longum; red with thick wrinkled skin when dried; vitamin C 185 mg/100g, protein 11.98 g/100g |
| Grown in | Guntur, Prakasam, Warangal, Khammam (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana); GI registered |
| Also known as | Sannam S4, S334, Super 10 |
Figures are indicative, compiled from public agricultural sources (ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, the Spices Board and the National Innovation Foundation) and vary with soil, season and management. Confirm with your local package of practices.
Guntur Sannam (S4 Type) in detail
A long, thin-walled chilli grown in Andhra Pradesh and valued for capsaicin extraction and oleoresin. Guntur Sannam (S4 type) is graded into commercial classes ranging from deep red premium pods to wrinkled, lower-grade fruit.
Origin & story
Guntur Sannam is associated with the Regional Research Station at LAM, Guntur, and has long been maintained through farmer selection in the Guntur region. The name comes from the Telugu "sannam," meaning thin or long, describing the elongated pods. Guntur Sannam Chilli holds Geographical Indication registration No. 143 (application dated 28 May 2010) under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999.
How it grows
Grown mainly in the Guntur and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh, with cultivation also in neighbouring Telangana districts. It does best in a warm climate with dry weather during ripening, and is grown both rainfed on black soils and under irrigation on well-drained soils. It is typically sown around June–July (Kharif) or November–December (Rabi), with harvest spread across the cool, dry months. Ripe pods are hand-picked over several rounds. Annual production of this type is reported at roughly 280,000 tonnes.
Quality & character
Capsicum annuum var. longum; pods 5–15 cm long and 0.5–1.5 cm in diameter, with thick, wrinkled red skin when dried. Pungency is high at about 35,000–40,000 SHU, with capsaicin around 0.226%, and ASTA colour value about 32. It trades in four classes: Sannam Special (SS, light red, shining skin, 5 cm and more), Sannam General (SG), Sannam Fair (SF), and Non-Specified (NS) for custom specifications. Vitamin C is about 185 mg/100g and protein about 11.98 g/100g.
Why it matters to buyers
Mainly bought for capsaicin extraction and oleoresin production, alongside use as a colour and heat ingredient, and it is a significant export chilli for India. The "S4" designation is common shorthand in the spice trade. Export consignments are expected to meet standard moisture, admixture, and aflatoxin limits (the EU aflatoxin ceiling is commonly cited). Hand-picked premium grades command higher prices, while wrinkled and lower grades go largely to bulk industrial extraction.
About dry red chilli
India grows chillies across a spectrum of heat levels, colours, and purposes—from the mild, deep-red Byadgi prized for oleoresin and paprika, to the searingly hot Bhut Jolokia of Assam's Northeast. Between these extremes sit dozens of released varieties from ICAR institutes (IIHR Bengaluru, IARI Delhi) and state universities, plus landraces and regional…
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