Originating from northern South America, the Orange Aji chilli stands out as an exceptional producer. Its majestic appearance, adorned with vibrant, elongated orange pods, captivates observers. This chilli plant thrives remarkably, reaching heights of up to 1.2 meters in pots and towering over human height when planted directly in the ground.
The Orange Fish Pepper, a Caribbean native, was introduced to the United States for its culinary versatility. Named for its use in seasoning fish, it boasts variegated leaves and striped peppers that transition from creamy white with green stripes to vibrant orange.
Pimenta Berinjela, a striking Brazilian chilli variety, captivates with its unique resemblance to mini eggplants. With its bushy stature, it thrives both in pots and in-ground, boasting dark stems and leaves. The pods undergo a mesmerizing colour transformation from dark purple to a translucent Bordeaux, akin to its namesake, the eggplant.
Originally from Asia, the Po Chong chilli, a variety of Capsicum Annuum, is renowned for its prolific production. Its 6-7 cm pods, initially green and ripening to red, boast a distinct capsicum apple-like flavour. These bushy plants, reaching about 50 cm in pots, are early producers, making them popular among chilli enthusiasts.
Originating from Thailand, the Prik Kee Noo Suan, also known as “Mouse Shit Chilli,” is a prolific producer of fiery pods. These tiny peppers start green and ripen to a vibrant red, boasting intense heat and a compact plant structure.
The Purple Candlelight Chilli, known for its stunning appearance and prolific yields, boasts upward-growing clusters of pods. With a unique transition from purple to a spectrum of colours, it’s a captivating addition to any patio garden. A compact bush, reaching around 60 cm in height, it’s easy to cultivate and maintain. The final red pods signal readiness for harvest.
Pusa Jwala, a renowned chilli cultivar hailing from India, is revered for its prolific yield and distinctive pod shape. With an elongated, wrinkled structure, these chillies transition from green to vibrant red upon ripening, offering a delightful visual contrast. Renowned for its apple-like taste and notable heat, Pusa Jwala is a staple in Indian cuisine, adding depth and spice to various dishes.
Originating from Peru, Queen Laurie Chilli boasts impressive traits. Its baccatum variety yields abundant crunchy pods with a rapid fruity flavour transition upon consumption. The pods, ranging from 6 to 7 cm in length and approximately 2 cm in width, start as vibrant green and mature into a striking orange hue. This variety thrives in cooler climates and remarkably endures warmer conditions, making it a resilient and versatile choice for cultivation.
Originating from India, the Rajah chilli, also known as Capsicum annuum, boasts remarkable productivity and vivid hues. This versatile plant flourishes in both pots and ground soil, reaching heights of 1.3 meters. Its pods transition from deep green to a rich, enticing red upon ripening, measuring 12 cm in length and 1.5 cm in diameter. With its early maturity and prolific yields, Rajah is a culinary gem, particularly cherished for its compatibility with Indian cuisine and suitability for drying.
Hailing from Bolivia and Peru, the Rocoto P360 boasts large, apple-like pods with a sweet, juicy flavour. This variety, also known as Locoto in Bolivia and Manzano in Mexico, stands out for its distinct appearance and taste.
Sannam Chilli, originating from Andhra Pradesh in India, is renowned for its deep red pods, reaching lengths of 6-8 cm. It’s a prolific producer, thriving in Guntur, Warangal, and Khammam districts. This chilli boasts a searing heat akin to Cayennes, making it a favourite worldwide.
Hailing from Wales, the Sugar Rush Peach chilli, a variant of Capsicum Baccatum, is a remarkable addition to the chilli world. Handcrafted by Chris Fowler, this variety boasts a unique peach colour and a sweet taste reminiscent of ripe peaches. Its pods, cylindrical with gentle ridging, mature from light lime green to a luscious peach hue. The plant’s growth is impressive, reaching over a metre in pots and towering over 5 feet when planted in the ground. Its long season ensures abundant yields of these delectable peppers.
Sugar Rush Stripey, a remarkable chilli pepper, is a product of Chris Fowler’s breeding efforts in the UK, derived from the Sugar Rush Peach. Renowned for its stunning appearance, this variety boasts pods that transition from light yellow/green to peach/orange with red stripes upon ripening.
Named for its exceptional productivity, the Super Chilli (Capsicum annuum) is a vibrant addition to any garden. Its dense foliage creates a lush appearance, while its abundant pods offer a colourful array, transitioning from green to red upon ripening. This variety typically reaches a height of around 60 cm, thriving in pots with its bushy growth.
The Tabasco Pepper, renowned for its fiery heat and smoky flavour, hails from Mexico, particularly the state of Tabasco. Since 1868, it has been celebrated in the US for its association with the McIlhenny Company’s Tabasco hot pepper sauce.
Thai Hot Pepper, a prolific producer, originates from Thailand. Its compact, bushy plant stands 20-30 cm tall, yielding petite pods that mature from green to vibrant red, measuring 1-1.5 cm tall and 0.5 cm wide. This charming chilli offers a complex flavour profile and a deep, pleasant burn.
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.
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.
Trepadeira Werner, a remarkable Capsicum Baccatum hailing from Brazil, is renowned for its prolific pod production and distinct teardrop shape. Named by Werner Mathi, this cultivar transitions from creamy white to fiery red, offering a visual spectacle.
Tri Colour Nish is a remarkable chilli cultivar known for its vibrant hues of lime, purple, orange, and red. Renowned for its abundant yields and distinct pod shape, it boasts a unique flavour profile, combining slight capsicum with a bineesh apple tinge.
Tshololo Pepper, hailed as a Brazilian beauty, boasts rare and unique attributes. Renowned for its vibrant orange crinkled pods, this chilli transforms from dark green to a warm orange with purple stripes upon ripening. With a height reaching up to 1 meter, it thrives in pot cultivation.
Urubu Chilli, a rare find from Brazil, boasts prolific production, yielding teardrop-shaped pods with a distinct orange hue upon ripening. This unique chilli, believed to be a Capsicum Chinense variety with hints of Capsicum Frutescens, offers a deep, slowly building heat reminiscent of habanero peppers.
Wild Texan Tepin, a remarkable chilli pepper, boasts a rich history of being cultivated for over 15 years. Renowned for its prolific nature, it yields abundant tiny pods throughout the season. Its compact, bushy growth, reaching heights of 60-70 cm, makes it an ideal choice for pot cultivation. The pods, measuring approximately 0.5 cm, may appear diminutive but deliver an intense fiery punch. The texture resembles that of Tabasco peppers, with a surprising depth of heat.
Hailing from Suriname, the Yellow Adjoema Scotch Bonnet is renowned for its prolific nature, yielding abundant, oddly shaped yellow pods, approximately 5 cm in length. Its sweet, fruity flavour carries a delightful burn, making it a sought-after choice for chilli enthusiasts. This compact plant, reaching around 50 cm in height when potted, thrives in limited spaces such as balconies.
Originating from Peru, the Yellow Jelly Bean Pepper is renowned for its prolific production and distinctive appearance. Its petite stature, reaching heights of 40–50 cm, showcases vibrant yellow pods reminiscent of jelly beans. These pods pack a potent punch of heat, making them a standout ornamental chilli.
The Yellow Penis Pepper, a rarity in the chilli world, boasts an eccentric appearance resembling a man’s private part. Its pods transition from green to a vibrant yellow hue upon ripening. This distinctive chilli, also available in red and orange, adds a playful touch to any garden.
The Yellow Rocoto, a cherished chilli variety across South America, boasts versatile names like Locoto in Bolivia, Rocoto in Peru, and Manzano in Mexico. Resembling miniature apples in appearance and consistency, this plant thrives with its bushy, apple tree-like structure and vibrant yellow pods. Native to Mexico but now widespread, its thick-walled, 4 cm wide pods transition from green to yellow upon ripening.
Zimbabwe Birds Eye, hailing from Africa, is renowned for its compact nature and prolific production. Sporting bullet-shaped pods, this fiery chilli stands smaller than its Malawi counterpart but packs a potent punch. It’s an ideal choice for pot cultivation, thriving on windowsills or verandas.
