Brazilian Starfish Orange

Brazilian Starfish Orange is a distinct Capsicum baccatum variety known for its unusual starfish shape. Pods have multiple outward lobes, forming a flattened, star-like appearance. Fruit are typically about 4.0 to 5.0 cm long and 4.0 to 5.0 cm wide, with a height of roughly 1.5 cm. Pods ripen from green to orange, and some strains may deepen towards orange-red at full maturity.

Heat is generally reported between 10000 and 30000 SHU. A working figure of 20000 SHU reflects the middle of commonly reported values. Some sources report lower or higher figures, likely due to growing conditions and strain variation rather than standardised testing.

Flavour is widely described by growers as sweet, fruity, and citrus-like, sometimes compared to apple or fresh garden notes. These flavour descriptions are anecdotal and based on grower experience rather than laboratory analysis.

Plants are vigorous and productive, commonly reaching around 100.0 cm in height and sometimes taller under favourable conditions. Pods have relatively thin, crisp walls and are used fresh, pickled, or in sauces. The shape also makes them popular for ornamental growing.

There is some variation in reported heat levels between seed sources, suggesting minor strain differences. The variety is treated as a traditional Brazilian baccatum type rather than a modern deliberate hybrid, and is commonly circulated through seed exchanges and heirloom growers.