Based on the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) measure of capsaicin concentration, the Katokkon chili has a fairly high heat rating, at 400,000-600,000 SHU. Its spiciness is four to six times hotter than cayenne pepper.
In addition to the unique culture and natural beauty of the Toraja region of South Sulawesi, Toraja is also famous for its super-hot chilies.
Chili peppers are a staple in Indonesian kitchens, complementing staple foods and enhancing appetite. In fact, a growing trend of foods with varying levels of spiciness is becoming increasingly popular.
According to the BBP2TP Agricultural Research and Development website, one of Indonesia’s typical chilies from Toraja that is not yet widely known is the ketokkon chili.
Katokkon can grow in the highlands, ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level, and can thrive in areas with cold weather and mountainous soil structures.
This chili’s distinctive feature is its imperfectly round shape, somewhat similar to a bell pepper, but smaller and plump. The katokkon typically measures around 3-4 cm. When young, the chili is purplish green and turns a bright red when ripe.
Katokkon is a chili pepper that is the mainstay of the Toraja people, South Sulawesi because it has several good contents for the human body, and it tastes hotter than other chilies in Indonesia.
This chili contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants that can protect the body from free radicals.
Based on the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) measurement of capsaicin concentration, this chili has a fairly high heat level, at 400,000-600,000 SHU. Its spiciness is four to six times hotter than cayenne pepper.
The first katokkon harvest is usually done 3-4 months after transplanting. Over the course of its life, katokkon can produce up to 100-150 fruits per plant, equivalent to 0.8-1.2 kg of chili peppers.
The development of katokkon represents a promising prospect for farmers in Toraja. Ketokkan can fetch twice the price of regular chilies. Even during the rainy season, prices can reach hundreds of thousands of rupiah on the market.
