Do you know that there are numerous cultivars of chilli peppers, each with its own unique traits, flavour profiles, and heat levels?
In this blog post, we will dive into the world of chilli peppers and explore the five main chilli types: C. annum, C. chinense, C. baccatum, C. frutescens, and C. pubescens.
From sweet and mild to fiery hot, each cultivar has something special to offer. Get ready to expand your knowledge and discover the many different types of chilli peppers available!
The Capsicum annuum, commonly referred to as c. annuum, is a type of chilli pepper that has been captivating the taste buds of people all around the world for centuries.
From mild to medium-hot varieties, c. annuum encompasses a vast array of flavours and heat levels, making it a staple in a plethora of cuisines.
With its perplexing diversity and a burst of heat, it’s no wonder why c. annuum has become one of the most widely cultivated chilli pepper species globally.
The Capsicum chinense species is widely known for its unique flavours and extreme heat levels. Some of the hottest chillies in the world belong to this species and have a heat level of over 2 million on the Scoville Heat Unit scale.
In addition to heat, Capsicum chinense offers fruity, floral, and smoky notes, as well as a distinctive aroma that is sweet and fruity, even in its hottest varieties.
Capsicum baccatum, native to South America, is known for its fruity, citrusy flavour and mild to moderate heat level.
This cultivar’s thin-walled peppers are commonly used in pickling and fermenting and have a pungent flavour, registering 30,000 to 50,000 on the Scoville Heat Unit scale.
Capsicum baccatum varieties have white or cream-coloured flowers and typically have green or gold corollas.
Capsicum frutescens, a wild chilli pepper closely related to the cultivated Capsicum chinense, is widely used in many cuisines for its hot and pungent flavour.
This species has also been bred to produce ornamental strains due to its large quantities of erect peppers growing in colourful ripening patterns.
The Pubescens species of chilli peppers is one-of-a-kind and is distinguishable by several distinct characteristics, such as black seeds and hairy leaves, which earned it its name.
These peppers are usually large, round and plump with sturdy walls. There are three main varieties within this species: Rocoto, Locoto and Manzano (which means apple).
Because of their origin in the Andes, they are better equipped to handle colder temperatures compared to other chilli pepper varieties.
Additionally, Pubescens peppers are known to be highly productive.
Embark on a journey to unravel the true essence of the vibrant and diverse chilli pepper, by cultivating your very own. With a little bit of effort, you too can be a master at growing these lively and piquant specimens.
If you’re a novice gardener, we recommend starting small by growing chilli peppers in pots. These versatile plants are well-suited for container gardening and can thrive in a variety of environments, even without a sprawling backyard.
We hope this article has ignited a passion for discovering the infinite possibilities of chilli peppers. As you embark on your own chilli-growing journey, take the opportunity to experiment with rare and exotic varieties, and share the spicy fruits of your labour with friends and family.
