The best varieties of hot peppers - our expert TOP!

Updated: 04/22/2021 16:43:03

Expert: Nikolay Alexandrovich

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Breeders have developed about 3,000 varieties of bitter/hot peppers. Their degree of pungency can be very different. The severity level of different varieties is assessed on the Scoville scale. It was developed by an American pharmacologist. Using ECU (Scoville scale units), we estimate how much capsaicin is contained in a particular vegetable. To do this, pepper extract is tested organoleptically.

The variety is assessed by analyzing peppers that have reached biological maturity. Unripe fruits are not examined. The spiciness of peppers is often influenced by the conditions in which they are cultivated. Hot peppers can grow both outdoors and in pots indoors. All varieties of this vegetable are divided into early, mid and late ripening. This review is dedicated to reviewing the best of them.

Rating of the best varieties of hot peppers

Sow seedlings in February

Up to 5 tiers of fruits are formed on one bush.
Photo: hozjain.ua Varieties of hot peppers with description:

1. Hot pepper (lat. Cápsicum ánnuum) or bitter is a perennial subshrub, often grown as an annual plant. In central Russia and Siberia it is grown by seedlings; in the south it can be grown by direct sowing into the ground. The bush can reach 1.5 meters in height. The root system is powerful and branched. Grows on fertile, loose soils.
2. The taste qualities of the same variety may vary. The taste is influenced by the place of cultivation and climatic features. So, in a humid and warm climate, the pungency of fruits will be significantly higher than those grown in cold climates.
3. When choosing seeds for planting, the main criterion is the Scoville scale, which determines the degree of pungency. The higher the number, the sharper the fruit. The growing season is also an important factor. For areas with short summers, you should choose varieties that ripen in 100 days.
4. If it is not possible to grow hot peppers in the garden, indoor varieties are an alternative. In terms of pungency, they are not inferior to ground varieties, and even superior in the whimsicality of their shapes. Among other things, they can be grown as a potted crop for 2 or more years.
5. The unusual, bright and original shape of the fruits and their abundance attract landscape designers. They use the culture to create solitary and group plantings and decorate rock gardens.

The author of the video recommends planting spicy varieties with an original shape and unique taste. Thanks to the bizarre shape, you can plant plants to decorate the area:

Hot pepper for open ground

When cultivating hot peppers in the garden, gardeners first take care of the seedlings indoors. And when the earth warms up, the young shoots are transferred to the ground in the open air.

Dragon tongue

Rating: 5.0

Hot pepper Dragon's tongue is intended for cultivation in greenhouses of any type and in the open air. The height of the bushes of this variety is approximately 60-70 cm. The dragon's tongue ripens early. It takes about 97–105 days from germination to full ripening. From 1 m² it is possible to collect up to 2 kg of hot pepper of this variety.

The Dragon's Tongue has drooping peppercorns, reminiscent of an elephant's trunk. Having reached technical maturity, peppers have a green color. And when fully ripe, these vegetables turn red. The average weight of one pod is 25 g, length up to 15 cm. Dragon Tongue has a pronounced peppery aroma. And the taste is quite spicy. Dry seasoning is prepared from it, peppercorns canned or eaten fresh.

According to reviews from gardeners, the yield of the Dragon's Tongue is high. Peppers ripen at approximately the same time. They are distinguished by a strong peppery aroma. Grown by seedlings, tolerates cold well. Bushes require timely watering, loosening and fertilization. It is important to note that this variety must be planted away from sweet peppers to prevent cross-pollination.

Advantages

• it turns out to collect a lot of pepper from one bush;
• simultaneous ripening of peppercorns;
• rich pepper aroma;
• tolerates cold well.

Flaws

• requires careful care.

Astrakhansky 147

Rating: 4.9

Hot pepper Astrakhan 147 belongs to varieties characterized by high yield. It ripens in about 120 days. It can be cultivated in open ground without any problems. The bush is compact, growing with virtually no branches. It reaches a height of 50-65 cm. The ripening and appearance of peppers in this variety is extended. Astrakhan 147 has found wide application in cooking and medicine.

Peppers are smooth and have a drooping shape. Their length usually does not exceed 6-9 cm. The shape of the peppercorns is cone-shaped and small. The weight of each of them is up to 18 g with a wall thickness of 1-2 mm. As they form and ripen, the peppers change color from dark green to bright red. The pulp of the Astrakhan variety is quite coarse and also has an increased pungency.

In reviews, gardeners note that they take a very long time to harvest Astrakhan pepper, since its fruiting period is extended. The variety is not capricious; it easily adapts to various environmental conditions. This hot pepper is actively used in folk medicine to increase appetite, relieve fever or eliminate muscle pain.

Advantages

• high yield rates;
• the variety adapts well to various conditions;
• Suitable for cooking and medicinal purposes;
• high ECU rates.

Flaws

• not identified.

Warning

What will it be like to eat a Carolina Ripper or another of the hottest peppers on this list, will it lead to a visit to the hospital or send you to the grave?
People's reactions to large amounts of capsaicin vary from person to person - while some may find it quite tasty, others will find the heat unbearable.

Here's what happens to your body when you taste hot peppers:

1. As soon as you take a bite, you'll feel hot almost immediately without any real change in temperature.
2. A signal is sent to the brain that you are too close to a heat source. Fluid begins to flow from the nose and eyes, along with heavy salivation.
3. Then you start to sweat. This is the body's way of getting rid of excess fluid because the brain thinks you are in extreme heat.

Please note: never drink hot peppers with water or alcohol, this will only spread the heat. This, unfortunately, is what most people do and this is their mistake.

The only thing that works is casein protein, which is found in milk. You can also eat the pepper with bread or boiled rice.

Eating some of the hottest peppers will result in at least burns (blisters) in your mouth, but here are some other side effects:

• The digestive system is compromised and you may get an upset stomach even if you are used to spicy foods.
• Pepper is contraindicated for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as the intense heat may aggravate symptoms.
• In some people, large amounts of capsaicin can cause high blood pressure and heart attacks.
• You will also have to visit the hospital if you accidentally touch your eyes after touching one of the hottest peppers.

Bitter peppers with medium and late ripening

Typically, crops with an average ripening period ripen 100-130 days after seedling germination. But there are also varieties that reach full maturity in about 150 days or more.

Ram's horn

Rating: 5.0

The bitter pepper variety Ram's Horn is a mid-late variety. The duration of its growing season is 130–145 days. The bush is compact, branched. Plant height is 50–60 cm. The Ram's Horn variety is intended for growing in beds, in open ground, and under film cover. The yield of pepper in greenhouses is 3 kg per 1 m². Ram horn is actively consumed fresh or canned.

Peppers have an elongated, cone-shaped shape. Outwardly, they resemble a ram's horn. Their average length is 25–35 cm, and their weight is 30–40 g. By the time of technical maturity, the fruits have a light green color. And having reached biological maturity, they turn red. The Ram's Horn variety has a sharp taste with a soft aftertaste. Their aroma is very rich. If watering is minimal, the taste will be sharper. Up to 60 peppers are tied on one bush.

According to reviews, Ram's horn is unpretentious in cultivation, but does not tolerate stagnant water. Requires a lot of sun, grows slower in partial shade. Timely watering is important for him. Many people like that you can adjust the spiciness of this vegetable by increasing or decreasing watering. This variety has universal use. In the fall, the bush can be dug up and continued growing on the windowsill.

Advantages

• high productivity;
• the ability to regulate the severity of watering volume;
• versatility of use;
• You can continue growing it in a pot on the windowsill.

Flaws

• grows more slowly in partial shade.

Tabasco

Rating: 4.9

The Tabasco variety is a variety of chili pepper. The ripening period of this vegetable is 100-120 days. Plant height is 60-150 cm. It is a small bush strewn with a large number of small pods. This is a perennial variety, but lives no more than 2-5 years.

Tabasco has cone-shaped fruits. Their length is approximately 4 cm. They grow vertically upward. Initially, after the ovary, the peppercorns are yellow, but over time they become bright red. In Tabasco, the heat index is in the range of 30,000-50,000 ECU. Peppers have a unique smoky flavor. As the peppers ripen, the skin thickens and the flesh inside becomes creamy.

Consumers respond very well to Tabasco hot peppers. They like the high yield of this variety and its resistance to disease. Fans of this pepper note that despite its small size, it has a strong pungency. Tabasco is not particularly demanding to care for, but gardeners report that this variety does not tolerate cold at all. If the night temperature drops below 15 C°, fruit formation becomes more difficult.

Advantages

• incredibly hot pepper;
• perennial variety;
• bears fruit abundantly;
• has a unique smoky aroma.

Flaws

• cannot tolerate cold.

Properties

The fruits of hot peppers are harvested not only when ripe (when the color characteristic of the variety and type is achieved), but also as green pods. The fruits contain a record amount of vitamins A and C, as well as carotene, various essential oils, and acids. Capsaicin helps strengthen the immune system, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and also provides a very powerful resistance to cancer cells. Pepper is useful for strengthening men's health, helps with nervous disorders, in addition, the endorphins it contains have a positive effect on mood

It is difficult to imagine many culinary dishes, as well as marinades and pickles, without the use of hot pepper pods. Most of all, this pepper is used in South American cuisine, where seasonings, side dishes, and various sauces are indispensable. The legendary Tabasco sauce and curry seasoning always contain hot peppers.

The vegetable is recommended for weight loss, but only if there are no problems with the heart, stomach, or kidneys. In any case, you need to remember about moderation and not use pepper in large quantities.

This crop has always been grown in the south of the country (back when it was the USSR), but in more northern regions there were no such opportunities due to the climate. True, many people planted low-growing hot peppers in pots at home, then using it as a seasoning. Nowadays, a huge number of different varieties of this vegetable have been bred, so gardeners have the opportunity to grow pepper in a wide variety of areas.

IMPORTANT! When growing, it is necessary to place the plantings of bitter and sweet peppers as far apart as possible. Crops can be cross-pollinated, and then instead of juicy and sweet fruits you will get only one spicy pepper.

The choice of varieties is large; our review presents the most popular and proven hot peppers.

Advantages and disadvantages

Of the many similar plants of the Solanaceae family, the hybrid has the following characteristics:

1. The pepper is meaty, juicy, very aromatic.
2. The fruits are smooth and large.
3. The crop is capable of producing crops under unfavorable changes in weather conditions.
4. The plant can be planted in a greenhouse or garden bed without protection.
5. Pepper is not affected by particularly dangerous diseases.
6. The yield of the variety reaches 17 kg/m2.
7. The fruits have high transportability.

The main thing that does not suit summer residents is the impossibility of planting their own seeds. Peppers grown from such material will differ significantly from the original.

How to care for hot peppers in an apartment

Hot pepper is a fairly unpretentious crop, so it will not cause you much trouble. However, you should know a few rules for growing hot peppers in an apartment:

• Illumination. Most varieties of pepper require a lot of daylight - at least 15 hours. If you have one, then in winter and early spring it will need additional lighting, even if you grow peppers on the south side.
• Excess sun. When exposed to too much sunlight, peppers begin to dry out and shed their leaves. To prevent this from happening, shade it from the bright sun or, if possible, place it on an east or west window.
• Moisture. Pepper is a moisture-loving plant. It needs not only regular watering, but also weekly spraying, especially in the dry air of apartments.
• Feeding. Peppers in an apartment have to be grown in a limited amount of soil. Because of this, the nutrients of even very fertile soil quickly dry up. To replenish them, it is recommended to feed the hot peppers growing in the apartment once every two weeks. To prepare the fertilizer, pour 2 tbsp. ash 3 liters of hot water and leave to infuse for a day. After this, strain and pour the solution over each bush. You can also use fertilizers for indoor flowers, for example Agricola Aqua (dilute according to the instructions).

Use during pregnancy

Peppers are allowed for pregnant women to eat. It will help relieve discomfort during pregnancy. For example, nausea or vomiting. But you shouldn’t eat a lot of it, because spicy food, as a rule, causes heartburn in pregnant women, excessive drinking and contractions of the uterus.

A woman who is breastfeeding a baby can also eat the spicy vegetable. It will not harm the baby or mother.

Use in childhood

Hot peppers are allowed to be eaten by children from 12-13 years of age. But preferably not too spicy. At this age, the child’s stomach is sensitive to new tastes, so it can get burned.

What to choose for indoor growing

It is no secret that vegetables can be grown in the absence of specialized conditions. This rule applies to hot peppers, since they can even be cultivated in pots. Which, however, does not exempt you from following the rules for caring for the plant.

Peter's finger

You will be surprised by the shape of the fruit, reminiscent of a finger. The variety is classified as a hybrid and was bred in America. The vegetable is easy to care for, compact and bears fruit well even on the windowsill.

Chilly Willy

A rare and very specific type of hot pepper, which has good characteristics. Purchasing seeds of this crop in Russia is extremely problematic. While the plant produces medium-sized fruits with excellent organoleptic characteristics.

Indian summer

You can grow a vegetable on a loggia, in a box or pot, and it will grow and bear fruit for several years. Small-sized bushes 40 centimeters high are strewn with peppercorns of various colors. Ripe, red, used without heat treatment.

Goldfinger

It is mainly grown as an ornamental plant, but the fruits are not used. The culture is small in size, the bush reaches a height of 25 centimeters, and the peppercorns are small - up to 3 centimeters.

Filius blue

The variety can bear fruit in an apartment for a whole year. It produces fruits with a purple tint; as they reach maturity they turn red. Peppercorns can be eaten.

But in order for them to appear on the bushes regularly, the plant will have to provide the following conditions:

• water the crop regularly, but moderately;
• avoid lack of light, it can be harmful;
• monitor air humidity.

Haifi F1 (Enza Zaden)

• An early plastic hybrid of hot peppers for film greenhouses and cultivation in open ground.
• The plant is strong, semi-open, with a strong root system and developed leaf apparatus. At the same time it produces a large number of fruits.
• The pepper is flattened, elongated cone-shaped, 20 cm long and up to 2 cm in diameter. During the period of technical ripeness, the color is dark green, and in biological ripeness it is deep red.
• The advantages of the hybrid are that it bears fruit even in hot weather, and is also tolerant to the tobacco mosaic virus.

Fruits of hot pepper Haifi F1