Chili is one of the most widely used spices in the world, commonly used in various dishes. Moreover, it can also be used for decoration and has many health benefits.
Spiciness is an indispensable part of the daily meals of most people in Asian countries. Countries famous for their spicy food include China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Bhutan, and South Korea. In China, the Henan and Sichuan regions use a lot of chili, ginger, and pepper in their dishes.
In Vietnam, chili is grown in Dong Thap province; especially Thanh Binh district is considered the largest chili center in the Mekong Delta. The communes in the river islands and along the Tien River are areas with a high concentration of chili. The fresh chili production is over 22,500 tons per year. According to statistics, the area of chili in Dong Thap province currently covers nearly 2,000 hectares per year, with an average yield of over 10 tons per hectare.
Besides, Lang Son is also one of the key chili-growing regions, with an area of over 1,479 hectares, an increase of 91 hectares compared to 2022.
Chili exports have brought in over 600 billion USD in 11 months of 2024.
Statistics from the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA) show that in November 2024, Vietnam exported 318 tons of chili, worth 1.1 million USD. Compared to the last month, the export volume decreased by 26.9%, but the turnover increased by 7.9%. Laos and China continued to be the main export markets for Vietnamese chili.
In 11 months of 2024, Vietnam exported 10,027 tons of chili, with a total export value of 24.3 million USD. Compared to the same period in 2023, the export volume increased by 5%, and the export value increased sharply by 30.6%.
China is the largest export market for Vietnamese chili, reaching 7,765 tons and accounting for 77% of the market share. This country has maintained its position as the largest export market for chili in recent years. Experts said that due to the high spiciness and variety, Vietnamese chili is favored in this market.
In the world, the Asia-Pacific region dominates the market, with India being the leading producer and exporter of dried chili, accounting for over 6.11% in 2021. Followed are Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. India is also the world’s leading producer and consumer of chili, accounting for about 36% of global production and 30% of total exports.
According to a study in Australia, eating chili regularly will help our body control insulin levels in blood. This is a beneficial effect for diabetic patients. According to statistical analysis, people who eat chili have reduced their blood sugar levels by up to 60% compared to the group of patients who do not have a habit of eating chili. Therefore, this is an indispensable spice for people with diabetes.
Capsaicin found in chili is not only an anti-cancer agent but also provides pain relief similar to the mechanism of action of anesthetics. When eating chili, the sensation of pain will not transmit impulses to the nervous system. Thereby, the painful feeling will be reduced.