Manzano Peppers - How Hot Are They Really?

December 24th, 2007

I discovered these cuties at the market today. Being a curious foodie-gourmet, I purchased several; their allure was simply irresistible. These images are here only because I think these little guys are adorable and decided to capture their beauty before they are no longer. I have no idea how I’ll use them, but I’ve read that Manzanos are mostly used fresh in salsa type dishes. I will also cook a few to see how their taste changes.

I’ve not been able to gather much cyber information on these mysterious chilies, which look quite similar to Scotch bonnets that, incidentally, have a heat rating of 150,000 to 325,000 Scoville units (that’s hot enough to take the skin off of one’s tongue!). The sources I have managed to find seem to contradict one another, particularly regarding the name and alias for these little cuties and the level of heat they possess.

What I do know for sure is that, contrary to what I’ve read (depending on the source, they are said to score somewhere between 8,000 and 50,000 Scoville units - that’s hotter than a jalapeno!), the ones I purchased are relatively mild. They do have a bit of a kick and their piquant flavor is inviting. Oddly, unlike most chilies, there is no heat in the seeds. If I were to give them a Scoville rating, it would be between 500 and 1,000 units.

Also, these are the only peppers I’ve seen with black seeds. Literally! A most peculiar feature, indeed.

Filed under: Discoveries & Ideas, Herbs & Spices