It is named after its place of origin, the district of Ramnathapuram and has been cultivated in the district for over 200 years while the word Mundu in Tamil language translates to ‘fat and round’.[5][6][7]
Local name
It is also popularly known as Ramnad Mundu Chilli as during the British period till 1947 this district was known by the name "The Kingdom of Ramnad or Ramnad estate".[8][9][10][11]
Description
Ramnad mundu chillies are round and approximately the size of cherries and they tend to be milder and more flavorful.[12] They are used as in South Indian cuisine like sambar, chutneys and curries.[13] It is seeded directly and cultivated as a rain-fed crop. The chilli has a thick skin and is tolerant of salinity and drought.[14][15][16]
Ramnad Mundu Chilli Producer Company Limited from Mudhukulathur, proposed the GI registration of Ramnathapuram Mundu chilli. After filing the application in November 2020, the chilli was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Ramnathapuram Mundu chilli" exclusive to the chilies grown in the region. It thus became the first chilli variety from Tamil Nadu and the 45th type of goods from Tamil Nadu to earn the GI tag.[18]