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.
Fidalga Preto Pepper, a remarkable C. Chinense hailing from Brazil, is celebrated for its prolific nature and stunning appearance resembling a miniature umbrella tree. The name “Fidalga” translates to a gentle woman in Portuguese, and “Preto” signifies black, reflecting the pods’ captivating dark purple to red transformation.
Grif 9238, a remarkable Capsicum Chinense hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica, stands out as a prolific producer with visually captivating pod shapes. Its pods transition in colour, starting from a mesmerising purple, blending into orange, yellow, and pink before culminating in a vibrant red when fully ripe. This chilli, known for its citrusy flavour and upper mid-level heat, thrives in both pots and ground, reaching approximately 60 cm in height when potted.
Hangjiao 7 Super Nova, a remarkable chilli variety, emerged from a groundbreaking 1987 experiment by Chinese scientist Jiang Xingcun. Seeking solutions for China’s growing population, he sent vegetable seeds, including chilli seeds, into space. Exposed to zero gravity, the mutation rates increased drastically, resulting in larger chillies with enhanced yields. Hangjiao 7 Super Nova, a C. annuum variety, grows to 50-60 cm in pots, yielding massive, twisted chillies, up to 20 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide. Known for its prolific nature, it offers a unique flavour reminiscent of fresh peas.
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.
Aji Melocoton, hailing from Peru, is a vibrant chilli pepper celebrated for its very flavourful tropical essence. The name “Melocoton,” translating to peach in Spanish, reflects its beautiful peach-coloured pods. Known as a Baccatum variety, it delivers a delectable taste experience.
Fidalga Amarillo, a distinguished C. Chinense hailing from Brazil, is renowned for its prolific yield, boasting delightful yellow pods that transform from light green to a warm yellow hue. With a compact 60 cm size in pots, it can flourish even more when planted in the ground.
Fushimi Chilli, renowned for tempura and Japanese cuisine, boasts exceptional flavour. A prolific and easy-to-grow variety, its pods transition from light green to red, reaching 14-16 cm in length. Ideal for pickling, grilling, or tempura.
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.
Jalapeno Agriset 4109, renowned for its exceptional taste and robust productivity, stands as a top-tier Jalapeno variety. Boasting a sweet flavour, its pods transform from green to red with a corky texture, ideal for stuffing or crafting Jalapeno Poppers. A compact 60 cm in pots, it thrives when planted in the ground.
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.
Wartryx, a remarkable creation by Matthew Arthur, boasts an exceptional blend of Trinidad Scorpion, 7 Pod Jonah, and Ubatuba Cambucci peppers, culminating in an astonishingly hot C. Chinense variety. With gnarly, golf ball-sized pods transitioning from green to red, this plant is a sight to behold.
Guajillo chilli peppers, renowned in Mexican cuisine, are celebrated alongside Anchos for their contribution to vibrant flavours. Producers cherish their ease of cultivation, thriving in a meter-tall plant with thick, leathery pods transitioning from green to a deep red hue. A staple in salsa-making, they present a delightful sweet-tangy flavour when fresh, evolving into a smoky, cranberry-touched profile when dried.
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.
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.
In the lush landscapes of Venezuela, Lindberg Figueroa introduced the AJI PINGA DE PERRO, a striking Capsicum Annuum chilli pepper. The name, translating to ‘Dog Penis’ in Catalan, humorously alludes to its unique appearance. This remarkable chilli plant can grow over 80 cm tall in a pot and even larger when planted in the ground, making it a standout in any garden. The plant’s distinctive pods further add to its visual appeal, making the Aji Pinga de Perro a noteworthy addition for chilli enthusiasts.
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.
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.
The BTR Scorpion, also known as the Butch T Reaper Scorpion, is an intense chilli variety originating from the United States. Developed by renowned grower Butch Taylor, it’s a hybrid of the Butch T Scorpion and Carolina Reaper, creating a scorching heat that’s truly exceptional.
Scarlett’s Chilli, a stunning creation by Graeme Chaplin in Western Australia, enchants growers with its resplendent hues and delectable taste. This Capsicum Annuum variant, a Purple Tiger cross, boasts an illustrious lineage and has become a favourite among chilli aficionados.
