Renowned as one of the great producers of intense heat, the Naga Morich hails from Bangladesh. Its name, meaning “snake or serpent Chilli,” aptly characterises its ferocious nature. The thin-walled, wrinkled pods exhibit considerable variability in shape, typically wedge-shaped. Ranging from rich green to vibrant yellow/orange and ultimately to a deep red, these pods mature approximately 120 days after transplanting. The plants grow vigorously, reaching up to one meter in height, with ovate, pale green leaves.
Naga Smooky Rainbow, bred by Drax Diego, emerges as a striking blend of Black Naga and Pink Tiger varieties. Its allure lies in dark purple stems, purple blooms, and deep green foliage. The peppers transition from dark purple to dark red with a black tinge upon ripening, culminating in a captivating hue of dark red and black. Known for its abundant fruit production and sweet flavour, this variety boasts dimensions of 5 cm in length and 2-3 cm in width, making it a stellar addition to any dish requiring a touch of heat.
Originating from a crossbreeding experiment, the Nagabon Jolokia emerged from 500 plants grown, exhibiting traits akin to the Scotch Bonnet with pods resembling large Naga peppers. Renowned for its prolific yield and intense heat, this C. Chinense variant has been meticulously stabilized over the years.
Hailing from the northeastern regions of India, particularly Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur, the Orange Bhut Jolokia boasts a robust stature, yielding an abundance of elongated, orange pods. These pods offer a distinctive Naga flavour, coupled with an intense heat. When consumed, they present a soft and squishy texture, adding to their allure.
Originating from India, the Orange Bih Jolokia is a formidable member of the Naga family, renowned for its fiery heat and distinct flavour. Its stocky stature, growing up to nearly a meter, yields pods transitioning from light green to a vibrant orange hue.
The Primo 7 Pot Pepper, masterfully cultivated by Troy Primeaux, boasts lineage from the Naga Morich and Trinidad 7 Pot Pepper. Known as a great producer, it yields fiery red pods with a gnarly surface.
The Purple Bhut BR (Blotchy Red) is a remarkable new phenotype cultivated by The Hippy Seed Company. This variety, although not yet stabilized, promises beauty and intrigue. With bushy plants reaching 40-50 cm, it yields Bhut-shaped pods, initially light green but transitioning to deep purple, then to red with a devilish blotchy black appearance.
Hailing from the vibrant lands of India, the Purple Naga Jolokia stands out as a great producer, boasting slender pods that undergo a mesmerizing transformation from deep purple to fiery red. With its dainty stature, this plant flourishes gracefully in any balcony, terrace, or windowsill. Its leaves, adorned with purple tinges, add to its allure, while the pods, ranging from 5 to 7 cm in length, exhibit a delightful twist and contortion. Its exquisite purple flowers enchant the beholder, making it a captivating addition to any space.
Purple Pumpkin Chilli, a remarkable variant of the Purple Bhut Jolokia, underwent a spontaneous genetic transformation, resulting in its distinctive traits. Renowned for its vibrant hues and pumpkin-shaped pods, this chilli plant has captivated growers for 8 years. Its unique colour progression, from light green to blotchy purple and finally to bright red, coupled with its bushy growth and prolific pod production, renders it a stunning addition to any garden.
The Purple Reaper, hailing from Brazil and cultivated by Carlos Jr, stands as a testament to the fiery spirit of South American chilli enthusiasts. Renowned for its potency and striking appearance, it produces an abundance of pods that transition from dark purple to vibrant red, with a tantalisingly fruity flavour and extreme heat level.
The Red Naga Brain, a fiery creation by American chilli grower Gary Montcalm, emerges from a blend of the Brain Strain 7 pod and Dorset Naga varieties. It boasts a gnarly appearance, with red, wrinkled pods measuring around 4 cm in length and 3 cm in width. A fantastic producer, it thrives in pots, reaching heights of 70 cm to one metre.
Tabanaga, an extraordinary hybrid chilli, was ingeniously crafted by The Hippy Seed Company in 2009, making it a prized possession among chilli aficionados. This exceptional variety arises from the union of the Tabasco and Dorset Naga, yielding a truly remarkable fruit.
The Tanzanian Ghost, a formidable C. Chinense variety, earned its name from its ability to deter elephants from African crops. These bushy plants, reaching 80cm in pots, produce vibrant green pods maturing into fiery red, delivering both intense heat and a distinctively smoky flavour when dried.
Chilli is indeed a significant ingredient in various regions and cultures of India. Its influence goes beyond just being a food item and extends to religious practices as well. In Indian cuisine, chillies can be enjoyed in different forms such as fresh, dried, flaked, or powdered. They are used as a garnish or incorporated into masalas, which are spice blends used to enhance the flavors of dishes. Whether it’s adding a spicy kick or contributing to the overall taste, chillies hold a special place in Indian culinary traditions.
Thor’s Thunderbolt, a remarkable creation hailing from North Queensland, Australia, is the brainchild of Rebecca Johnston and Trevor Griffiths. This stunning hybrid, shrouded in mystery regarding its parentage, dazzles with its enchanting appearance and formidable heat.
The THSC Naga 7 Chilli stands as a testament to heat and flavour, tracing its origins to the northeastern regions of India. Renowned for its fiery intensity and distinct taste, this chilli variety has an intriguing history rooted in the Naga tribes’ traditional cultivation practices.
The Viper Naga, a former Guinness World Record holder for the world’s hottest chili, boasts extreme heat. This chili, belonging to the C. Chinense species, is renowned for its exceptional productivity, reaching heights of about a meter. Its pods, transitioning from green to vibrant red when ripe, vary in shape, some featuring tails while others do not. These traits make it an ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking fiery culinary experiences.
White Bhut Jolokia, also known as White Ghost Pepper, stands out with its striking appearance and robust growth. This variety of Capsicum chinense produces creamy white pods, initially light green, and grows into a solid plant reaching up to a meter in height. It’s a reliable producer, offering pods about 5-6 cm long and 2.5-3 cm wide. The former record holder among Bhut Jolokia varieties, it captivates with its gnarly white pods and intense heat.
Yaki Blue, revered by chilli enthusiasts, boasts a lineage marrying the potent Bhut Jolokia with the vibrant Filius Blue. Its pods evolve from a mesmerising dark purple to a deep red hue, showcasing a captivating transformation.
Hailing from the northeastern regions of India, including Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur, the Yellow Bhut Jolokia is a vibrant variant of its renowned predecessor, the Bhut Jolokia. This exceptional chilli variety is celebrated for its prolific yield of extremely hot peppers, resembling miniature lanterns in vivid yellow hues. Its flavour, reminiscent of the classic Bhut taste, is subtly sweet and fruity, making it a prized addition to the realm of fiery cuisine.
