Description
Species: Annuum, Easy to grow, Mexican, Mid Heat
Belonging to the Capsicum annuum family, this ancient chilli, named Chilhuacle in Nahualt, signifies its Aztec roots. A pot-friendly plant reaching 40 cm in height, it’s both easy to grow and maintain.
Taste Profile
Fresh, these chillies offer a delightful sweetness and juiciness. When dried, a remarkable sweet and smoky flavour emerges, making it an ideal choice for creating vibrant powders.
Heat Level
Chilhuacle Negro boasts a medium heat level, adding a subtle kick to your culinary creations without overpowering the palate. It ranges from 1,200 to 2,000 SHU on the Scoville scale.
Texture and Appearance
The pods, measuring 6 cm in length and 4-4.5 cm in width, transition from dark green to a mature, enticing dark brown. Their texture, both fresh and dried, captures a unique balance of sweetness and smokiness.
Size of Plant
Optimal for pot cultivation, the Chilhuacle Negro plant stands at around 40 cm in height. Its compact size makes it convenient for various growing spaces.
Culinary Uses
A star in the Mexican culinary scene, Chilhuacle Negro takes center stage in the classic Mole Negro sauce. Beyond this, it enhances salsas, sauces, and, when dried, brings a distinctive sweetness and smokiness to powders.
Growing and Care
Thriving in pots, this chilli plant is a joy to cultivate. With an emphasis on simplicity, it requires minimal maintenance. The transition from dark green to dark brown pods signals the perfect time for harvesting.
Fun Facts
- It is one of the key ingredients in the traditional Oaxacan dish, Mole Negro.
- Chilhuacle Negro chillies were historically used in religious ceremonies.
