Black Cuban

Black Cuban is a compact Capsicum annuum cultivar grown for both ornamental and culinary use. The plant is noted for its dark purple to near black foliage, stems, flowers, and immature fruit.

Pods begin jet black or very dark purple and ripen to bright red at full maturity. Fruit are small and conical, commonly around 10 mm long according to seed seller descriptions, though reported mature size varies slightly between sources.

Heat is generally reported around 50000 SHU. Some listings give a range between 40000 and 58000 SHU. There are no widely published independent laboratory heat studies specific to this cultivar, and figures come mainly from seed seller and grower reports.

Flavour is described as peppery with a slight sour tang. It is used in salsas, salads, sauces, and pickling where both colour and moderate heat are desired. Flavour descriptions are anecdotal and not based on formal testing.

There is inconsistency regarding origin. Many sources state Cuba as the origin, while some seed sellers list Mexico or provide no clear origin detail. Most grower databases reference Cuba, but formal historical documentation is limited. Detailed botanical records outside ornamental and hobbyist sources are not widely available.