Originally hailing from Leutschau in Slovakia, this delightful pepper found its way to Matufred, Hungary, in the early 1800s. The Leutschauer Paprika is renowned for its prolific production and ease of cultivation. Its pods, transitioning from green to vibrant red, are perfect for drying into premium hot paprika powder, boasting a distinctive flavour and aroma.
The Lilac Cayenne chilli, a remarkable variety of Capsicum annuum, boasts stunning foliage with purple-tinged veins. Renowned for its prolific pod production, its pods transition from green to dark purple to fiery red upon maturity. This chili is highly sought after for its use in making cayenne powder and adding a fresh zing to culinary dishes.
Originating from Ecuador, the Locoto chilli, a member of the Pubescens family, boasts distinct characteristics akin to Rocoto Red and Manzano chillies. This variety is renowned for its prolific yield of meaty, hot pods, ideal for creating fiery sauces or pastes. The pods start green and ripen to a vibrant red hue, measuring approximately 5 cm in height and 2.5 cm in width. Notably, the Locoto features blue/violet petals on its flowers and black seeds within its thick-walled pods. It exhibits resilience to colder temperatures ranging from 4 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Hailing from Indonesia’s Lombok Island, the Lombok chili, or Capsicum Annuum, is renowned for its exceptional flavour and prolific production. Its pods, measuring up to 15 cm in length and 2 cm in width, adorn a plant that grows to just under a meter in pots, thriving even more when planted directly in the ground.
Long Dari 35, originating from Korea, is a prized find for enthusiasts of rare chilli varieties. Known for its distinctive pod shape resembling ‘long legs,’ it boasts a unique flavour and manageable heat level. This gem was graciously shared by a close friend residing in Korea.
The Madre Vieja Chilli, renowned for its prolific yields, hails from southwestern Guatemala, named after the Madre Vieja river. With compact growth, it thrives in pots, reaching 80-90 cm. Initially light green, its pods ripen to a warm yellow hue, perfect for crafting delectable sauces or powder. This variety offers a unique flavour reminiscent of grapefruit, coupled with an upper mid-level heat, making it a distinct choice for chilli enthusiasts.
Mako Kokoo hails from the rich soils of Ghana, Africa, renowned for its vibrant red pods and remarkable heat. This Capsicum Chinense variety boasts a distinctive sweet nutty flavor, akin to the essence of a peeled almond. Its slender, ribbed pods start as verdant green before ripening into a striking crimson hue, making it a standout addition to any garden.
The Malawi Birds Eye Chilli, also known as Piri Piri or the African Birds Eye, originates from Malawi in southeast Africa. This variety, Capsicum Frutescens, is renowned for its prolific production of small, fiery red pods. The plant, growing to around 50-60 cm in height, boasts a bushy appearance, with its pods transitioning from green to vibrant red when fully ripe.
The Malawi Piquante Pepper, also known as Peppadew, emerged in South Africa in 1993. Recognized for its role in culinary delight, it resembles a fusion of mini capsicum and cherry tomato. Renowned for its prolific yield and versatility, it’s a prized choice for pickling enthusiasts.
Originally hailing from Mexico, the Manzano Orange chilli now flourishes across South America, known by various names like Locoto in Bolivia and Rocoto in Peru. Its name, “Manzano,” meaning apple, aptly describes its resemblance to an apple tree and its pod’s apple-like appearance and consistency. This chilli boasts unique characteristics within the Pubescens species.
Renowned as a prized produce of Turkey, Maras Biber charms with its slender, sun-dried pods preserved in olive oil and salt. Its allure lies in its vibrant red hue and mild, sweet capsicum taste, evolving into richer flavours upon drying.
Hailing from South Korea, Mat Jang Pepper boasts a unique blend of flavour and heat. Its elongated pods transition from vibrant green to fiery red, offering a visual delight. This rare variety, cherished by chilli enthusiasts, is a testament to Korea’s rich culinary heritage.
Maule’s Red Hot, introduced by the William Maule Company in 1912, is renowned for its prolific yield, with pods transitioning from green to vibrant red when fully ripe. With a length of 12-15 cm and a width of 1-2 cm, the pods exude a sweet capsicum flavour.
The Medusa Pepper, renowned for its prolific yield and captivating appearance, is named after the mythological figure Medusa due to its resemblance to her snaky hair. This ornamental chilli boasts upright pods that transition in colour from green to red, passing through vibrant hues of yellow and orange. Its compact stature, reaching 30-40 cm in height, makes it an ideal choice for balcony or terrace cultivation. The pods, resembling a Medusa’s chaotic mane, add a touch of drama to any garden space.
Hailing from the lush landscapes of Assam in Northeast India, the Mem Jolokia is a true marvel. This variety boasts prolific yields, bearing upright pods that transition from a gentle green hue to a vibrant red.
Hailing from the quaint village of Malahi near Mettupalayam in Tamil Nadu, India, the Mettupalayam Chilli emerges as a gem among peppers. Renowned for its bountiful harvests, this plant produces pods that transition from verdant green to a vibrant red hue. Its slender, elongated shape, measuring approximately 6-7 cm in length and 1 cm in width, distinguishes it in the world of chillies. Notably, when dried, it exudes a remarkable sweet, smoky flavour, making it a prized addition to culinary creations.
Monkey Face Red chilli peppers, renowned for their unique appearance and delightful flavour, are esteemed producers. With pods resembling a monkey’s face, these peppers offer a sweet taste with a hint of apple, culminating in a vibrant red hue upon ripening.
Originating from the species Capsicum annuum, the Monkey Face Yellow chili pepper is renowned for its striking appearance resembling a monkey’s face. These peppers boast pods that transition from light green to a warm yellow hue as they mature. Not only visually captivating, but they also offer a delightful fruity and sweet flavor, almost reminiscent of tropical fruits. With a heat level categorized as upper mid, these peppers are perfect for adding a punch of flavor to various dishes.
Hailing from Mexico, the Mulato Isleño Chilli is renowned for its integral role in traditional Mexican cuisine, particularly in the iconic Mole sauce. With a distinctive tapered pod shape, it transitions from vibrant green to a rich chocolate brown upon maturity, boasting a delectable sweet and smoky flavour.
Hailing as a vibrant variation of the renowned Asian Bird’s Eye, the Multicoloured Bird’s Eye stands as a prideful addition to any garden. This gem boasts a flamboyant array of hues, transitioning from purple to pink, orange, and finally a fiery red.
Originating from the depths of the Amazon Rainforest in South America, Murici Chilli boasts unique qualities that set it apart. This exceptional variety is renowned for its prolific pod production, compact stature reaching 60-70 cm, and striking appearance. The cone-shaped pods, maturing into a vibrant yellow hue, are not just visually appealing but also offer a distinct flavour profile.
The Murupi Amarela, a rare Brazilian beauty from the Amazon, captivates with its crinkly creamy white pods. These pods, initially light green, mature into a stunning creamy white hue, adorning a plant that grows up to 60 cm in height. With its striking appearance and fantastic productivity, the Murupi Amarela is a sought-after chilli variety.
Naga 7 Brown, a prolific producer, yields pods resembling golf balls, transitioning from green to a rich chocolate brown when ripe. Developed by The Hippy Seed Company, it’s a cross between Bhut Jolokia and a 7 pod pepper, boasting intense heat and a sweet, fruity taste.
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.
NuMex Twilight Chilli, a product of New Mexico State University, captivates with its vibrant rainbow hues. This hybrid of the Thai Ornamental Chilli boasts stunning pods that transition from purple to red, adorning the compact, bushy plant.
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.
Hailing from an undisclosed origin, the Orange Cobra Chilli thrives as a robust producer in cooler climates. Its substantial size and vibrant orange pods, thin-skinned and seedy, make it an eye-catching addition to any garden. Despite its unknown roots, its allure lies in its resilience and striking appearance.
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.
The Padron Pepper, also known as Pimientos de Padrón, originated in Spain during the 16th century. Brought by monks from South America, it thrived in the Padron region, becoming a staple. Known for its prolific pod production, the pepper yields 7 cm long and 3 cm wide pods.
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.
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.
Pequin Chilli, also known as Pequin Pepper or Chile Pequin, originates from Mexico. Renowned for its potency, it’s nearly 10 times hotter than a jalapeno. Despite its diminutive size, it packs a fiery punch, maturing from green to a vibrant red or red-orange. Drying transforms its hue to a rich brownish-red.
