Chocolate habanero

Chocolate Habanero

Chocolate Habanero peppers

The Chocolate Habanero is a variety of the Habanero chili pepper, known for its distinctive chocolate-brown color and intense heat. It is a member of the Capsicum chinense species, which is renowned for producing some of the hottest peppers in the world.

Description

The Chocolate Habanero, also known as "Congo Black" or "Black Habanero," is characterized by its rich, dark brown color and lantern-like shape. The peppers typically measure between 4 to 6 centimeters in length and 2 to 3 centimeters in width. The plant itself is a perennial in tropical climates but is often grown as an annual in temperate regions.

Scoville Heat Units

The heat of the Chocolate Habanero is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with a typical range of 300,000 to 425,000 SHU. This places it among the hotter varieties of habanero peppers, making it significantly hotter than the common Jalapeño but milder than the Carolina Reaper.

Culinary Uses

Chocolate Habaneros are prized for their unique flavor, which combines a fruity sweetness with a smoky undertone. They are commonly used in Caribbean cuisine, where they add heat and depth to dishes such as jerk chicken, hot sauces, and salsas. Due to their intense heat, they are often used sparingly.

Cultivation

Close-up of Chocolate Habanero plant

The Chocolate Habanero thrives in warm, sunny environments with well-drained soil. It requires a long growing season, typically 90 to 100 days from transplanting to harvest. The plants are sensitive to frost and should be started indoors in cooler climates before being transplanted outdoors after the last frost date.

Health Benefits

Like other chili peppers, Chocolate Habaneros contain capsaicin, a compound known for its potential health benefits. Capsaicin has been studied for its role in pain relief, metabolism boosting, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, these peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Related Pages

• Habanero
• Capsicum chinense
• Scoville scale
• Caribbean cuisine