Description
Product Name: Zebrange
Cultivar Name: Zebrange
Species: Capsicum baccatum
Common Names: Zebrange, Zébrange, Belgian Stripe Bell
Type: Semi-stable Hybrid
Origin & Lineage
Geographic Origin:
Zebrange was developed in Belgium by breeder Laurent Minet at the Centre Technique Horticole in Gembloux. It is a deliberate cross between Aji Fantasy and Christmas Bell (also known as Bishop’s Crown), selected for its ornamental striping and tropical flavor profile.
Cultural Significance:
Zebrange represents a modern European approach to chili breeding, emphasizing aesthetic appeal, culinary versatility, and mild heat. It has gained popularity among collectors, chefs, and ornamental gardeners across Europe, North America, and South Africa.
Lineage / Hybridizer History
Parentage:
Aji Fantasy × Christmas Bell (Bishop’s Crown)
Hybridizer:
Laurent Minet (Belgium)
Selected Traits:
• Bell-shaped pods with vertical red-orange striping
• Crisp texture and tropical sweetness
• Mild heat suitable for fresh and cooked use
• High ornamental value
• Reliable productivity in mid-season climates
Stabilization Status:
Semi-stable hybrid. Released in F8 form as of 2023. Some phenotypic variation remains, particularly in pod striping and shape.
Heat Profile
Scoville Rating (SHU): 5,000–10,000 SHU
Perceived Heat: Medium
Heat Characteristics:
Heat is concentrated in the placenta and seed matrix. Most pods deliver gentle warmth comparable to a mild Jalapeño. Occasional pods may exceed expected heat due to environmental factors. Easily moderated by deseeding.
Flavor Profile
Tasting Notes:
Sweet, fruity, and tropical with notes of peach, berry, and citrus zest. The flavor is clean and vibrant, with no floral or soapy undertones. Texture is crisp and juicy, especially when consumed fresh.
Aftertaste / Finish:
Bright sweetness with a mild lingering warmth. No bitterness or acrid finish.
Ideal Pairings:
• Fresh salsas with mango or strawberry
• Pickled rings for charcuterie and sandwiches
• Stuffed with cheese, grains, or meats
• Stir-fries with ginger and soy
• Roasted and served with yogurt or tahini
Fruit Characteristics
Shape:
Bell-shaped or top-hat pods with slight lobing
Size:
5–6 cm long, 4–5 cm wide
Color Stages:
• Immature: Pale green
• Mid-stage: Orange with faint striping
• Ripe: Bright orange with vertical red stripes
• Overripe: Deep orange-red with intensified striping
Wall Thickness:
Medium to thick
Texture & Skin:
Smooth, glossy skin with crisp, juicy flesh. Striping varies by climate and ripening stage.
Plant Details
Growth Habit:
Bushy and upright
Plant Height & Width:
Height: 80–120 cm
Width: 50–70 cm
Foliage:
Solid green, ovate leaves with moderate canopy density
Flower Color:
White with greenish-yellow corolla spots (typical of baccatum)
Days to Maturity:
90–100 days from transplant
Yield:
High — typically 50–80 pods per plant under optimal conditions
Zebrange plants are vigorous and well-suited to container and field cultivation. Their ornamental pods and compact habit make them ideal for patios and raised beds.
Cultivation Information
Seed Count per Pack: 10 seeds
Germination Time: 10–30 days (Germinating Chilli Seeds)
Optimal Germination Temp: 26–32°C (Essential guide to ideal temperatures and humidity for chilli seed germination)
Light Requirements: Filtered sun
Soil Preferences:
• pH: 6.0–6.5
• Rich, well-draining loam (Easy DIY soil mixes)
• Benefits from compost and potassium-rich feeding
Watering:
Maintain consistent moisture. Avoid waterlogging. Mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilization:
Apply balanced NPK fertilizer every 3–4 weeks. Supplement with calcium and magnesium during fruiting.
Support:
Staking optional; bushy habit supports itself in most conditions
Pruning:
Pinch growing tips to encourage branching. Remove lower leaves to improve airflow.
Storage Tips:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration at 4–8°C extends viability. Avoid humidity and light exposure.
Notable Compounds
Capsaicinoid Content:
Low — primarily capsaicin and trace dihydrocapsaicin
Volatile Flavor Compounds:
Limonene, methyl anthranilate, and esters contribute to fruity aroma
Pigments:
Coloration driven by capsanthin, beta-carotene, and anthocyanin striping
Nutritional Value:
High in vitamin C and antioxidants. Contains dietary fiber and trace minerals.
Culinary & Cultural Use
Traditional Uses:
Modern cultivar with no historical culinary lineage. Popular in fusion cuisine and ornamental gardening.
Raw vs Cooked Flavor:
Raw: Crisp, sweet, and tropical
Cooked: Intensified sweetness with mellowed acidity
Regional Dishes:
• Pickled Zebrange rings for mezze platters
• Roasted and stuffed peppers with cheese or rice
• Fruit salsas with citrus and herbs
• Stir-fried vegetable medleys
• Sweet chili jams and relishes
Storage / Drying / Preserving Tips:
• Ideal for pickling and roasting
• Can be frozen whole or sliced
• Suitable for drying into flakes or powder
• Preserves well in vinegar or oil infusions
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