ASTA color value reflects red pigment content; SHU (Scoville heat units) reflects heat. This guide explains the key indicators.
When buying chili powder, the two most common indicators are ASTA color value and SHU heat.
ASTA color value
The higher the color value, the more vivid the red — suitable for kimchi, chili paste and other products where color matters.
SHU heat
SHU (Scoville heat units) measures the intensity of heat. Korean-style chili powder is typically 3,000–8,000 SHU: hot but not harsh.
Kangjing can blend products with different color values and heat levels to your needs. Send us your samples and we will customize.
