In India, chilli powder (quite naturally) refers to unadulterated ground chillies, similar to Cayenne powder. It is powdered dried red chillies, most commonly the cayenne variety of chilli peppers but can be made of local varieties This hot powder is made by grinding the dried red skins of several types of hot chilli peppers. It is intense and hot and is usually sold in powdered form. Cayenne is used for its heat not for its flavour profile which is acidic and tart. It’s heat level is similar to the Asian bird’s eye chillies. Cayenne pepper originated from Cayenne Island in French Guiana. In general it is made from South American chillies – cayenne, arbol or guajillo chillies.