Description

Species: Chinense, Easy to grow, Hot

Belonging to the Capsicum chinense family, the Chocolate Habanero stands out for its unique heat and distinctive fruity flavour. Its pods mature from a striking dark green hue to a rich, deep brown, creating a visually appealing and tempting display.

Taste Profile

The Chocolate Habanero boasts a remarkable taste profile, delivering a surprising twist to its name. While anticipated to offer a chocolate flavour, it pleasantly surprises with a wonderful passion fruit-like taste. This unexpected fruity undertone adds depth to its culinary applications.

Heat Level

Scoring a blazing 10/15 on the heat scale, this chilli ranks among the hottest, boasting over 400,000 SHU on the Scoville scale.

Texture and Appearance

With a striking appearance, the pods of the Chocolate Habanero mature from dark green to deep brown. Their alluring colour and shape, resembling the Scotch Bonnet, make them a standout in gardens or pots.

Size of Plant

When cultivated in pots, the Chocolate Habanero typically reaches a height of about 1 metre. However, when planted in the ground, it may grow even larger.

Culinary Uses

This fiery chilli adds a punch of heat and a unique fruity flavour to various dishes. It’s commonly used in sauces, salsas, marinades, and spicy dishes where both heat and flavour are desired.

Growing and Care

Chocolate Habaneros thrive in warm climates and require well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Regular watering and occasional fertilisation will promote healthy growth. Pruning may be necessary to maintain an ideal size for container cultivation.

Fun Facts

• The Mayans believed the heat of the Chocolate Habanero pepper could ward off evil spirits.
• Despite its intense spiciness, it’s often sought after for its rich and complex flavour, making it a favourite among chilli aficionados.