Capsicum annuum

The Kanthari chilli, or Bird’s Eye chilli, is listed as one of the top 10 spiciest chilis in the world. It is highly aromatic, very spicy, and very delicious, and yet it is a weed! We have many plants of this kind on the farm which have emerged on their own, and their economic value is also very high.

The Kanthari chili is a perennial shrub that can grow to nearly 3 meters. The active components of this chilli can help in reducing blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease. It is also effective in increasing body metabolism which can help with weight reduction. Traditionally it has been used to treat toothaches, gum problems, arthritis and rheumatism, and for improving digestion.

These chilies are very beautiful – a sort of dark orangey-red. The plant has a striking ornamental look. Now if this plant was growing as an ornamental shrub around government buildings, outside schools, beside people’s houses, this is what a Road back to Nature could really be. It could mean talking about undermining industrialization and reclaiming our own power and our relationship to nature, our food and our health.

Let’s consider the extent of industrialization required to enable us to purchase a product like chili powder from a shop for example – the plastic packaging; the fuel used in transporting the chili to the factory; the managing and running of the factory; the transport to the shops; the running and maintenance of the shops etc. There is also the manufacturing of the computer systems, the checkout till, and the billing!! It appears to be an endless web of industrialization which we do not consider.

Now what is easier – to buy chili powder from a shop or to consume a Kanthari chili that is superior in taste and nutrition growing right outside your door, with no ecological costs?

These are the choices that we are faced with. What are we going to choose?