Kashmiri Red Chilli (Marchagan) — Kathua's Vibrant Low-Heat Spice

Marchagan, the Kashmiri dried red chilli, is grown in Kathua and Udhampur districts of J&K. Unlike hot varieties, marchagan is low in capsaicin and prized almost entirely for its brilliant deep-red colour and mild fruity flavour — making it the essential spice in rogan josh, dum aloo, and tandoor marinades across Indian cuisines. The GI-tagged spice is crushed into deggi mirch paprika powder widely used in the food industry.