Description
Hangjiao 4 Comet’s Tail
Chinese Space Chilli
杭椒辣椒 – a C. Annuum variety
In 1987 Jiang Xingcun, a scientist with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, discovered that sending vegetable seeds including chilli seeds into space exposing them to zero gravity increased the mutation rates by hundreds of times. This method resulted in increased size of the chillies and improved yield. The reason for the space programs were to find a solution on how to feed China’s growing population. Since that time, China has sent more than 400 plant seed species to space.
The Hangjiao no 4, also known as Comet’s Tail, is another awesome chilli pepper that has spend time in zero gravity. It grows to about 50-60 cm in a pot. The Hangjiao 4 Comet’s Tail pods are huge, they grow up to 30 cm long and 2-3 cm wide and twisted. Like the other space chillies it is very prolific.
Be one of the first to grow the space chillies.
Flavour wise: Sweet and a bit bitter. Would be great in a salsa, a salad, a stir-fry, or just as a snack.
Heat level: Medium heat. Has a deep burn, not stingy.
Slimwaffle (verified owner) –
I have only had these things in dirt for about 7 days in a Chinese takeaway container. And they have already germinated and outgrown the container. Talk about fast growing.