Peri Peri Pepper
A fiery African heirloom pepper celebrated for its bright citrus notes, herbal snap, and upright pods. A legendary culinary icon famous for powering world-class grilled marinades and zesty hot sauces.
Pepper Specie: Capsicum frutescens
Peri Peri Heat Level, Flavor & Appearance
Whether you’re growing in the garden or cooking in the kitchen, here is what to expect from the Peri Peri in terms of heat intensity, flavor, and pod traits.
Heat Level
Hot Peppers
50,000 – 175,000 SHU
15 times hotter than an average jalapeño
Tasting Notes
Flavor
Aroma
* Fresh/Whole: Crisp, herbal, and grassy with a faint mineral sharpness. * Sliced/Crushed: Pungent, bright, and citrusy with a sharp, peppery vapor that instantly clears the sinuses.
Color and Appearance
Small, tapered, conical pods that grow pointing upright toward the sun rather than dangling downward. Immature pods start as a pale to medium green, transition through warm yellow-orange hues, and ripen to a glossy, vibrant scarlet red.
Pepper Pod Size
0.75 to 1.5 inches
Commonly Used In
Traditional Afro-Portuguese basting marinades, Peri-Peri chicken, grilled tiger prawns, infused finishing oils, fiery barbecue dry rubs, hot sauces, and spicy table condiments.
