Spice
Capsicum chinense
A tier
Capsicum chinense is the species of habaneros, Scotch bonnets, and superhots—fruity, floral aroma with potentially extreme heat. Despite the name, origin is Amazonian, not Chinese. Handle with gloves; a little goes far in Caribbean and Yucatecan sauces. Fresh pods perfume salsas; dried forms intensify. Superhot cultivars push millions of Scoville—respect dosage.
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Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
DriedFlakeFreshPickledPowderRoastedSauceSmoked
Traits
AmazonianFloralFruityFruity AromaHabanero GroupIntenseVery Hot
History
BR
Chinense chillies diversified in Amazonia and the Caribbean basin.
Trade spread chinense types through tropical colonies.
Habanero fame grew in global hot-sauce culture.
Superhot chinense breeding produced record Scoville cultivars.