Numex Big Jim, a renowned Guinness World Record holder for its remarkably large pods, was meticulously developed by Dr. Nakayama at New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper Institute. Despite its modest stature, the plant yields impressive pods ranging from 20 to 24 cm in length and 5 cm in width, transitioning from vibrant green to a striking red hue. These pods are ideal for stuffing or adding a vibrant kick to salads.
Pasilla Bajio, also known as Chile Negro or Mexican Negro, originates from Mexico. Its name “Pasilla” refers to the dark green chilli fruit turning deep brown and slightly wrinkled, resembling a raisin when fully mature and dried. The plant grows up to a meter in height, thriving in both pots and ground soil.
Hailing as a variant of the renowned scorpion peppers, Peach Scorpion thrives as a prolific producer with its compact plant reaching around 50 cm. Its pods, initially green, mature into a striking peach hue, offering a visually enticing addition to any garden or culinary creation. With thin walls and dimensions of 3-4 cm in length and 2.5-3 cm in width, these pods boast a crunchy, juicy texture and a unique flavour reminiscent of rock melon, with subtle notes of Chinense essence.
Renowned for its presence in Italian cuisine, the Peperoncino chilli boasts a rich history dating back to 1694. Traditionally used in dishes like ‘Salsa ala Spagnola’, it pairs well with tomatoes, onions, and oil. With its slender, ribbed pods transitioning from green to vibrant red upon maturity, this mild chilli offers a sweet capsicum flavour, making it ideal for pickling.
Piment D’Espelette, hailing from the Basque region of France, is renowned for its mildness and fruity flavour. Named after the village of Espelette, it’s celebrated during the annual Chilli Festival. The pods, initially green, mature into a vibrant dark red.
Pimenta Cambuci, originating from Brazil, is a captivating member of the Capsicum Baccatum species. Resembling the Bishop Crown, its pods boast a robust, apple-like crunch, making it an exceptional addition to salads, stuffing, or paired with cheese.
Pimenta Luna Habanero, originating from Brazil, delights with its peach-colored pods. Known for its stunning appearance and unique flavour resembling Champagne, it’s a favourite among chilli enthusiasts, offering a mild taste suitable for all, including children.
The Poblano Chilli, originating from Mexico’s Puebla state, is renowned for its versatility. It starts as a dark purplish-green pod, maturing into a vibrant red. This mild pepper transforms into the Ancho Chilli when dried.
Renowned for its prolific yield and distinctive appearance, the Rezha Macedonian Pepper has been cultivated for centuries in Macedonia. Its name, “Rezha,” meaning “cut” or “sliced,” aptly reflects the pepper’s unique feature – its pod resembles it has been intricately sliced numerous times. This bushy chilli plant thrives in pots, reaching a height of about 70 cm. The peppers start as vibrant green before maturing into a deep red, adorned with prominent cork-like lines.
Rosemary Pepper, also known as Biberiye Turşu, is a cherished chilli variety originating from Turkey. Renowned for its exceptional productivity, this cultivar yields pods that transition in colour from white to creamy white, then orange, and finally to a vibrant red. Typically harvested before full maturity, it’s a staple in Turkish cuisine, often pickled and available in local markets throughout Turkey.
The Santa Fe Grande Pepper, also known as Güero Chilli Pepper, hails from Mexico. This petite plant thrives in pots, reaching 50-60 cm in height. Its conical, blunt peppers transition from pale yellow to vibrant red, offering a delightful addition to any balcony or terrace. These peppers, resembling the Bishops Crown, measure around 6 cm in length and 2.5-3 cm in width. They boast a mild heat level of 3/15, making them perfect for those who prefer a gentle kick in their culinary creations.
Introducing the Sweet Cayenne Pepper! Hailing from the vibrant fields of Central & South America, this delightful chilli, scientifically known as Capsicum Annuum, brings a perfect balance of sweetness and mid-level heat to your culinary creations. With roots tracing back to its native soils, this versatile pepper adds a flavourful kick to dishes, making it a favourite for those who savour a touch of warmth without overwhelming intensity. Spice up your dishes with the Sweet Cayenne and elevate your culinary journey!
While the unique shapes and colors of chillies may evoke a sense of imagination and creativity, there is no direct link between them and fairy tale characters or their props. However, it is possible for individuals to draw connections or find inspiration in various ways. The interpretation of such associations is subjective and can vary from person to person.
Tobago Seasoning Chilli, initially sourced from a market in Scarboro, Tobago in March 1999 by Dr. Jeff Nekol, is celebrated for its mild heat and sweet habanero flavour. Its umbrella-like appearance, adorned with vibrant chilli fruit transitioning from light green to orange and finally red upon ripening, makes it an aesthetically pleasing addition to gardens. This non-hot variety is ideal for those seeking a subtle kick in their culinary creations.
Hailing from Trinidad, this delightful chilli variety boasts thick-walled, juicy pods that transition from green to red when ripe. It’s a stocky plant, reaching up to 60 cm in height, making it ideal for container cultivation. The Trinidad Smooth Chilli is renowned for its ease of growth and prolific fruiting.
The Venezuelan Tiger, a cherished rarity hailing from Venezuela, dazzles with its vibrant light green pods transitioning to a fiery red hue upon ripening. Renowned for its striking appearance and delicate flavour, it’s a prized possession for chilli enthusiasts.
The White Chupetinho Chilli, originating from Brazil, boasts stunning drop-shaped pods, reminiscent of little rubber nipples, earning its local name “Pimenta de Bico” or “Chupetinha.” It’s a prolific producer with pods transitioning from light lime green to creamy white, offering a sweet and fruity flavour with a subtle chinense undertone.
