Scoville Heat Units: 80,000 – 120,000 SHU
We grew a variety of chili peppers in our garden this year, like every year, and were happy with a newcomer – the Tshololo chili pepper. There isn’t much information on this wonderful little pepper. It originates in Brazil and it is fairly rare. It is Capsicum Chinense. Having grown them this year, I can tell you that they are roughly 4-5 inches in length and curl up like a cayenne pepper, though the pepper flesh is a bit thicker than the cayenne.
On the plant they start out very dark, almost black, and as they grow they brighten to a vibrant, enticing red that calls out for many a dish. The flavor is similar to that of a habanero pepper with a bright, fruity taste. While not as hot as a habanero pepper, it is quite hot. I dabbed some of the raw pepper on my tongue and got a pleasant burn, not unlike the habanero, just not as powerful. My estimate is a heat range of 80,000 – 120,000 Scoville Heat Units, though I’m sure they can get hotter.
I whipped up a hot sauce using this new pepper, pairing it with mango because of the fruitiness, and the result was an excellent blend of sweet and heat.
Kris says
I have one growing now. It's overwintered, but so far no peppers. Once I get some I would be happy to trade seeds. If you're interested I will throw a pollen bag on a couple of flowers to make sure they are true.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
I do love them!
Truc says
Hi Mike,
This is a long shot but would you happen to have any seeds of the tshololo to trade? Im in CA and it seems like I can't find very many places that have it available for trade 🙂
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Truc! I've been looking for them myself! Seriously, I do not have any and I love these peppers. If you happen to find any, please let me know the source. I need them, too. =(