Solanacées • Capsicum chinense

Vegetarian chili pepper - Organic

"All the flavor of the Caribbean, without the heat of hot peppers."

$4.49

Number of seeds 20 seeds

Native to the Caribbean, the vegetarian chili pepper – often also called the sweet Caribbean chili – has won over many kitchen gardens with its distinctive aroma, very similar to that of hot chilies, but without the burning sensation. In a vegetable garden in harmony with the seasons, it establishes itself as a reassuring companion: a reliable plant for those who love Creole flavors but want a cuisine accessible to everyone, including children.

Its glossy green foliage forms a neat little bush, adorned all summer long with a multitude of discreet white flowers that give way to drooping fruits, initially green, then reddish-orange depending on the variety. In welcoming, well-warmed soil, it offers a generous and sustained harvest, particularly appreciated in late summer, when kitchens are filled with sauces, stews, and braised dishes. In a deeply rooted and respectful approach to living things, the vegetarian chili pepper integrates naturally into a diverse garden, alongside tomatoes, onions, aromatic herbs, and other essential ingredients of Creole cuisine.

Growing climate: Warm season
Sowing difficulty level: Medium
Care required: Regular
Growth: Summer growth

Note: Requires constant warmth to produce well; cool nights greatly slow growth.

In the Caribbean, the sweet pepper is an iconic ingredient in Creole and home cooking, adding aroma and character to dishes that are not spicy. It is widely used in sauces, soups, court-bouillons, fish, meat or vegetable stews, as well as in fricassees and braised dishes.

It is generally eaten fresh, whole or sliced, gently sautéed in oil with onions, garlic, thyme, and other herbs as a base for flavor. It can also be added at the end of cooking to dishes with sauces to best preserve its aroma. It is well-suited to marinades, condiments, and pickled preparations.

For preservation, it can be frozen whole or cut, after washing and drying, or preserved in jars in oil or vinegar according to appropriate recipes. Its mild and aromatic flavor makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the taste of Caribbean peppers without the burning sensation of hot chilies.