JOLOKIA Meaning and
Definition
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Jolokia is a noun that refers to a type of chili pepper, specifically the Capsicum chinense variety. It is predominantly cultivated in the northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur in India. Jolokia is known for its exceptionally high heat levels, which makes it one of the hottest chili peppers in the world.
The word "jolokia" is derived from the Assamese word "jolokio" or "jolokia," which means "the plant that burns" in the local language. Jolokia peppers are also commonly known as ghost peppers due to their ability to create a sensation that is said to be ghostlike or haunting.
The heat of the jolokia pepper is measured on the Scoville scale, a standardized rating system for chili heat. Jolokia peppers have a Scoville rating ranging from 800,000 to over 1,000,000 heat units, which is several times hotter than the average jalapeno pepper.
Due to their intense spiciness, jolokia peppers are often used in small amounts to add heat and depth to various dishes, particularly in salsas, chutneys, and marinades. They are also sometimes used in the production of hot sauces and spice blends. However, caution must be exercised when handling and consuming jolokia peppers, as their heat can cause severe irritation or burns if not properly handled or ingested.
Etymology of JOLOKIA
The word "jolokia" comes from the Assamese language, which is primarily spoken in the northeast Indian state of Assam. "Jolokia" is derived from the Assamese word "jolokoi", which means "pepper". The Assamese word itself is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit word "jalakī", meaning "fiery". The term is commonly used to refer to the Bhut Jolokia chili pepper, one of the hottest peppers in the world.
