African Bird’s Eye / African Devil
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.
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I ate one of these in school and I was spiced out for almost a whole hour
Yes, these can get quite spicy!
I have two African Peri bushes and have made hot sauces that has fabulous flavor. Quite different than other common varieties. Thanks K
Tony, that sounds great. Such a good pepper to cook with.
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!