The Amigo Diablo Chilli, a stellar variety hailing from Mexico, is a robust producer. The bullet-shaped pods transition from green to a glossy, mature red, boasting a delightful fruity sweetness.
The Anaheim Pepper, celebrated for its stuffing prowess, traces its origins to New Mexico and thrives in Anaheim, California. Boasting a height of 1 metre, this prolific producer yields sizable and mild pods with a tough skin that peels effortlessly after charring and steaming. Available year-round, it reaches its prime during the summer. When mature and red, the pods are known as ‘Chilli colourado’ or ‘California Red Chilli.’ Remarkably, it grows from seed to a substantial 20 cm fruit in under 80 days.
The Black Cuban Pepper, hailed as “a black beauty from Mexico,” is a stunning chilli variety with dark foliage, purple flowers, and black pods. This eye-catching plant is a great producer of conical, 1 cm long pods that mature from deep black to red.
Black Pearl Pepper, originating from Mexico, is a botanical masterpiece renowned for its stunning appearance. These peppers, resembling shiny black pearls, are a visual delight and a recipient of prestigious awards.
The Black Prince chilli, originating from Mexico, boasts stunning black-to-green leaves and vibrant purple flowers. The plant yields black pods, maturing to red, with a mature size of 1-2 cm.
The De Arbol Blood, a stunning Mexican chilli, boasts vibrant red pods, 5-7 cm long and 0.5-0.9 cm wide. This prolific plant reaches 60 cm in pots but thrives larger in the ground. It continuously yields pods with a bright red hue, offering a delightful balance of flavour and heat. Ideal for salads, pickling, and stir-fries, its versatility enhances culinary experiences.
De Arbol Orange, hailing from Mexico, is a remarkable chilli pepper with a height of around 35 cm in pots. This beauty boasts consistent, abundant yields throughout the season, even enduring Australian winters at 7 degrees Celsius. The pods, starting creamy white and maturing to a warm orange hue, measure 4-5 cm in length and 1 cm in width. Known for its resilience in cool climates, it’s an excellent choice for those facing colder temperatures.
The De Arbol Red, a petite chilli tree originating from Mexico, is a vibrant addition to any garden or kitchen. Known for its prolific pod production, these 6 cm long, 1 cm wide chillies transform from creamy white to a fiery red upon maturity. Noteworthy for retaining their vivid red hue even when dehydrated, these chillies are as aesthetically pleasing as they are flavourful.
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.
Hatch Lumbre Chilli, hailing from the vibrant chilli festival in New Mexico’s city of Hatch, is a renowned delight. The pods transition from vibrant green to a mature, enticing dark red, showcasing its visual appeal.
Jalapeno, a renowned chilli pepper originating from Mexico, derives its name from Xalapa, the capital city of Veracruz. Recognized for its conical green pods, it grows up to 120 cm in pots or larger when planted in the ground. A delightful transformation occurs when the green peppers ripen to red, becoming sweet and fruity. Picked ripen, they boast enhanced heat and flavour.
Jalapeno El Jefe, a notable Capsicum Annuum variety, hails from Mexico and thrives in diverse climates. Named after Xalapa, its pods boast a 6-8 cm conical shape, transitioning from medium to dark green to vibrant red when ripe. With a height of 60-70 cm in pots, this chilli, if planted in the ground, can grow even larger. Known for its succulence, the El Jefe brings the quintessential Jalapeno flavour.
The Jalapeno Goliath, a remarkable chilli variety originating from Mexico, is celebrated globally for its robust flavour and heat. Named after the town of Xalapa, these peppers boast a conical shape, 7 to 10 cm in length, transitioning from medium to dark green to a vibrant red when ripe. With a height of around 70 cm in pots, these plants thrive even more when planted in the ground. Notably, they excel in producing delightful Jalapeno Poppers.
Jalapeno Hercules, a fiery Capsicum annuum variety, traces its roots to Mexico, specifically named after the town of Xalapa. Recognized globally, it’s renowned for its deep burn, light jalapeno flavour, and notable sweetness. The pods, initially dark green, evolve into a vibrant red upon ripening. Reaching 80 cm in pots, the plant thrives even more when planted directly in the ground.
Jalapenona, a fiery delight originating from the Capsicum annuum species, boasts a robust production of thick, juicy pods. These peppers exhibit the classic Jalapeno flavour, with a sweet undertone. The plant, reaching 70 cm in pots and more expansive when grounded, promises abundant harvests.
Hailing from Mexico, Korita Pepper enchants with its unique trait—dried pods transform into playful Maracas. The plant, reaching a meter in pots or more in the ground, yields pods ripening from green to red, then to a brownish-red hue. Pods measure 5cm in length and 2-3cm in width, ideal for various culinary delights. Exclusive to The Hippy Seed Company, this chilli adds a vibrant touch to dishes.
Kukulkan Red Habanero, hailing from Mexico, is a favourite among chilli enthusiasts. Named after the Mayan Snake Deity, it produces torpedo-shaped pods transitioning from vibrant green to fiery red upon ripening. With a compact size, it thrives in pots, making it ideal for balconies or terraces. Renowned for its sweet and delectable flavour, it adds a surprising punch to any dish or homemade hot sauce.
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.
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.
The Orange Habanero, originating from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, dazzles with its vibrant orange pods. Its bushy stature, reaching a meter in height, adorns any garden with its abundant orange bounty. As it matures, the pods transition from light green to a fiery orange hue.
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.
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.
The Poblano Chilli, originating from Mexico’s Puebla state, is renowned for its versatility. It starts as a dark purplish-green pod, maturing into a vibrant red. This mild pepper transforms into the Ancho Chilli when dried.
The Santa Fe Grande Pepper, also known as Güero Chilli Pepper, hails from Mexico. This petite plant thrives in pots, reaching 50-60 cm in height. Its conical, blunt peppers transition from pale yellow to vibrant red, offering a delightful addition to any balcony or terrace. These peppers, resembling the Bishops Crown, measure around 6 cm in length and 2.5-3 cm in width. They boast a mild heat level of 3/15, making them perfect for those who prefer a gentle kick in their culinary creations.
The Serrano Pepper, hailing from the mountainous regions of Puebla and Hidalgo, thrives in both pots and open ground. This vibrant gem yields 7-10 cm long pods with a thick, meaty flesh, maturing from green to a bright red.
The Tabasco Pepper, renowned for its fiery heat and smoky flavour, hails from Mexico, particularly the state of Tabasco. Since 1868, it has been celebrated in the US for its association with the McIlhenny Company’s Tabasco hot pepper sauce.
Tepin Chilli, renowned as the “Mother of all peppers”, hails from Central America, Mexico, and the southwestern United States. Also known as Bird Peppers or Chiltepins, these peppers thrive as great producers, yielding plentifully despite their compact size. Their diminutive berry-like pods belie their intense heat, making them a prized addition to fiery dishes, salsas, and stews.
Chilli peppers have indeed become a universal language in the culinary world, connecting modern gourmets and chefs across different cultures. They make frequent appearances in Latin American, Indian, and Chinese cuisines, adding a unique and spicy flavor to various dishes. The versatility of chillies allows them to be used in a wide range of recipes, from salsas and curries to stir-fries and hot sauces. Their popularity stems from the intense heat and distinct taste they bring to dishes, creating a sensory experience that many people enjoy. So, whether you’re exploring the vibrant flavors of Latin America, indulging in the rich spices of India, or savoring the bold flavors of China, chilli peppers are sure to add a fiery touch to your culinary adventures.
Mexican cuisine is indeed renowned for its love of spicy food and hot peppers. It’s a significant aspect of Mexican culture that has gained recognition worldwide. Mexicans have a strong affinity for adding chili to a wide range of dishes, including unconventional ones like candy, chocolate, fruit, and already spicy sauces.
It’s not uncommon for them to combine two different sauces on a single taco to create a unique flavor experience. To outsiders, it may seem as though Mexican food lacks flavor without a little kick of spice. This is why peppers are cherished and consumed in various forms, whether whole, in powder, or as a key ingredient in salsa. In fact, for many Mexicans, a taco without salsa just doesn’t feel complete. The passion for spicy food is deeply ingrained in Mexican culinary traditions.
