Description
Product Name: Pimenta Sparanise Peachy Chilli Seeds
Pimenta Sparanise Peachy is a visually captivating and intensely flavorful cultivar of Capsicum chinense, celebrated for its peach-hued ripening stage and ornamental foliage. Though its aesthetic appeal often draws initial attention, this hybrid variety delivers a formidable heat profile and complex flavor, making it a prized addition to both culinary and collector gardens. With origins rooted in Southern Italy and genetic ties to Caribbean and Brazilian cultivars, Pimenta Sparanise Peachy represents a fusion of terroir, tradition, and selective breeding.
- Cultivar Name: Pimenta Sparanise Peachy
- Species: Capsicum chinense
- Common Names: Sparanise Peach Chilli
- Type: Hybrid
Origin & Lineage
Geographic Origin: This cultivar hails from Sparanise, a small agricultural town in the Campania region of Southern Italy. The area’s Mediterranean climate—characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and mineral-rich volcanic soil—has long supported the cultivation of Capsicum chinense varieties. While Calabria and Sicily are more widely recognized for their pepper traditions, Sparanise has quietly preserved this rare cultivar through local seed stewardship and small-scale farming.
Cultural Significance: In its native region, Pimenta Sparanise Peachy has been grown in backyard plots and used in celebratory dishes during harvest festivals and religious observances. Its peach-toned ripening stage was traditionally viewed as a symbol of abundance and vitality. The fruit was often gifted to neighbors or used as a decorative centerpiece in seasonal displays. Though not widely commercialized, it has gained cult status among European chilli collectors and boutique growers, admired for its ornamental foliage, unique pigmentation, and intense flavor.
Lineage / Hybridizer History: Pimenta Sparanise Peachy is believed to be a naturally stabilized hybrid, likely descended from Caribbean chinense introductions brought to Italy via maritime trade. Its peach coloration and floral aroma suggest a genetic link to Pimenta da Neyde, a Brazilian hybrid known for its anthocyanin-rich pigmentation and potent heat. While no formal breeder is documented, the cultivar has been maintained through open pollination and careful selection by regional growers. Its stability across generations indicates a well-preserved lineage, though minor phenotypic variations may still occur.
Heat Profile
- Scoville Rating (SHU): Estimated between 150,000 and 300,000 SHU
- Perceived Heat: Extremely Hot
- Heat Characteristics: The heat of Pimenta Sparanise Peachy is immediate and persistent. It begins with a sharp sting on the tongue and intensifies toward the throat and sinuses. Despite its ornamental appearance, the pepper delivers a robust and lingering burn typical of chinense types. When dried, the heat becomes more concentrated, making it ideal for powders, rubs, and fermented sauces.
Flavor Profile
- Tasting Notes: The Pimenta Sparanise Peachy offers a layered flavor profile, combining fruity sweetness with floral undertones and earthy depth. The initial taste is bright and slightly citrusy, followed by a rich, peppery complexity.
- Aftertaste / Finish: The finish is warm and slightly smoky, with a residual sweetness that balances the heat. A subtle bitterness may emerge when overripe, adding nuance to cooked applications.
- Ideal Pairings: Pimenta Sparanise Peachy pairs well with tropical fruits, citrus-based sauces, and fermented preparations. It complements grilled meats, seafood, and robust stews, adding both flavor and visual intrigue.
Fruit Characteristics
- Shape: Elongated, slightly tapered pods resembling premium habaneros
- Size: Approximately 5–6 cm long, 2–3 cm diameter
- Color Stages: Immature: green → Ripe: peach with purple striping
- Wall Thickness: Medium
- Texture & Skin: Smooth with occasional blistering; the purple striping appears as surface pigmentation rather than deep variegation
Plant Details
- Growth Habit: Bushy
- Plant Height & Width: Typically reaches 60–80 cm in height and 40–60 cm in width when grown in optimal conditions
- Foliage: Dark green, slightly pubescent with occasional purple veining
- Flower Color: White with purple accents
- Days to Maturity: Approximately 90–110 days from germination to harvest
- Yield: Moderate – estimated 40–60 pods per plant under optimal conditions
Cultivation Information
- Seed Count per Pack: 5 or 10 seeds (Presoaking Chilli Seeds)
- Germination Time: 7–14 days (Germinating Chilli Seeds)
- Optimal Germination Temp: 25–30°C (Essential guide to ideal temperatures and humidity for chilli seed germination)
- Light Requirements: Filtered sun
- Soil Preferences: Prefers well-draining soil with pH between 6.0 and 6.8, enriched with organic matter (Easy DIY soil mixes)
- Storage Tips: Store Pimenta Sparanise Peachy seeds in a cool, dry place in airtight containers to maintain viability for up to 2 years
Notable Compounds
- Capsaicinoid Content: High levels of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin contribute to its intense heat
- Volatile Flavor Compounds: Pimenta Sparanise Peachy Contains trace amounts of limonene and vanillin, contributing to its fruity aroma
- Anthocyanins / Pigments: The purple striping is attributed to anthocyanin expression, likely triggered by temperature fluctuations and light exposure. The peach coloration is a result of carotenoid accumulation during ripening
Culinary & Cultural Use
- Traditional Uses: Commonly used in homemade hot sauces, infused oils, and dried spice blends. In Trinidad, similar chinense types are used in “Pepper Sauce,” a staple condiment
- Raw vs Cooked Flavor: When raw, the pepper is crisp and aromatic; cooking intensifies its sweetness and reduces the sharpness of its heat. Roasting brings out smoky undertones, while pickling preserves its color and texture
- Regional Dishes: While no named Italian dishes feature this cultivar specifically, it has been adapted into Mediterranean-style salsas, antipasti, and infused vinegars. Caribbean-style pepper sauces and Brazilian fermentations also suit its flavor profile
- Storage / Drying / Preserving Tips: Best dried whole in low-humidity environments or sliced and dehydrated at 45°C. For fermentation, combine with garlic, salt, and vinegar in sterilized jars and allow to age for 2–4 weeks. Vacuum sealing dried pods can extend shelf life and preserve flavor intensity




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