Rocoto

Species Name: Capsicum pubescens. Color: Green to golden yellow, orange or red. Shape: Round, sometimes pear-shaped. Description: Very hot, thick-walled pods, usually eaten fresh as they don't dry well. Scoville Heat Units: 30,000-50,000 Other Names: Manzano, canaria, locoto, perron (Mexico), caballo (Guatemala), manzana, jalapeno (Costa Rica). Related Cultivars: None. Most Commonly Grown In: South America, Central America, Mexico. The rocoto is still quite unknown in North America as it is not grown commercially in the U.S. It is an exotic looking chili with long, hairy stems, purple flowers, and jet-black seeds. It grows at a high altitude of between 3,500 to 6,000 feet and requires a cool climate. Fruit is very fleshy and seed core is quite separate from the flesh, rather like a small, pungent, delicious bell pepper. Some palates consider them much hotter than Habaneros due to the unique mix of capsaicins.