The African bird's eye pepper is a small, vibrantly colored hot pepper found in the African wild, clocking in at 175,000 Scoville Heat Units, popular in soups, hot sauces and more.
lso sometimes known as Piri Piri or Pili Pili, the African Bird’s Eye is a small chile, growing to only about 1 inch, but they pack a lot of punch. They mature to red or purple, and have a tapered shape, with a blunt point. Historically found in the African wild, it has recently been grown commercially in some parts of Africa, often to be used as pepper extract or as organic pest control.
Scoville Heat Units: 175,000 SHU
Also sometimes known as Piri Piri or Pili Pili, the African Bird’s Eye is a small chile, growing to only about 1 inch, but they pack a lot of punch. They mature to red or purple, and have a tapered shape, with a blunt point. Historically found in the African wild, it has recently been grown commercially in some parts of Africa, often to be used as pepper extract or as organic pest control.
The African Bird’s Eye is commonly used in soups, stews, hot sauces and chicken dishes, but the flavor is less interesting than other popular peppers. It is a close relative of the Tabasco pepper. It is the main ingredient in Peri Peri Sauce - get the recipe here.
Jim says
I have these growing in my garden.
Francisco Magalhães says
I used to grow them back in Angola. Sold them comercially. One of my favorite peppers and today im growing them in Portugal. Excellent with BBQ chicken or even caldo de peixe, a fish soup they make in Angola.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Francisco. Great peppers indeed.
Lawrence says
What do they taste like? i know they are hot...I want flavor too.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
You'll get a nice fruitiness with these peppers, Lawrence, if you can get past the heat. Very good!
Gaz says
Put one of these babies in a carona and you have a damn tastey beer with a kick ? you're welcome!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
I love it!
David D says
I ate one of these in school and I was spiced out for almost a whole hour
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yes, these can get quite spicy!
Ken says
I have two African Peri bushes and have made hot sauces that has fabulous flavor. Quite different than other common varieties. Thanks K
Mike H says
Tony, that sounds great. Such a good pepper to cook with.
Tony says
I just made a quart of fresh pear-based hot sauce using fresh Bird's Eye peppers, ginger, fish sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, black pepper and lime juice. It's surprisingly tasty and has a building heat with a sustained hang time centering on the top of the tongue. My first time making hot sauce. Can't wait until the next time!