The Malayalee Mulakal Poorukal, also known as the Mulakal Poorukal or simply Poorukal, are an indigenous tribe inhabiting the Western Ghats region of Kerala. They are a part of the larger tribal community in the state, which comprises around 32 different tribes. The Poorukal community is primarily found in the districts of Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, where they have lived for centuries.

Deep within the lush forests of Kerala, a treasure trove of natural wonders lies hidden, waiting to be discovered. The Malayalee Mulakal Poorukal, a term that translates to " Malayali forest wealth," refers to the vast array of flora and fauna that inhabit the state's forests. For centuries, these forests have been a source of sustenance, shelter, and livelihood for the local communities, providing them with a rich tapestry of resources that have shaped their lives and culture.

The connection between Malayalees and their mulakal runs deeper than just the taste buds. It is woven into the folklore and cultural beliefs of the land.

ഈ ഗ്രാമത്തിലെ ആളുകൾ പ്രകൃതിയെ സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നു. കർഷകർ അവരുടെ വയലുകളിൽ കഠിനാധ്വാനം ചെയ്യുന്നു. മൃദുവായ മഴയുടെ തുള്ളികൾ അവരുടെ മുഖത്ത് വീഴുമ്പോൾ അവർക്ക് സന്തോഷം തോന്നുന്നു.

The chili also appears in ghost stories and local folklore. There is a common theme of eerie tales where red chillies play a central role, often as an offering or a symbol in a horrifying experience. In one such narrated story, a person ventures out at night to get some red chillies and is confronted by a mysterious figure seated before a huge heap of rice and red chillies. These stories add to the chili's mystique, placing it not just in the kitchen but also in the realm of the supernatural.

Despite the rich cultural heritage of the Malayali community, there are several challenges that threaten the continuation of these traditional practices:

There’s no halfway when it comes to a Malayalee and their love for spice. We don’t just eat mulak — we respect it. Fear it. Crave it.