Chupetinho

Chupetinho is a small Brazilian Capsicum chinense known for its rounded body and pointed beak-like tip. The name translates from Portuguese as “little pacifier,” referring to the fruit shape.

Pods are typically 2.5–3.5 cm long and about 2.0–3.0 cm wide. The surface is smooth to slightly wrinkled. Fruit ripen from green to bright red. Yellow forms also exist, though the red type is most commonly referenced in seed listings. Pods grow pendant.

Heat is commonly reported around 30000 SHU. However, published figures vary widely between sources, ranging from roughly 15000 to 50000 SHU depending on seller or grower report. There is no widely published independent laboratory record available in formal scientific literature. Most heat values originate from seed vendors and grower estimates.

Flavour is widely described as sweet, fruity and aromatic with a noticeable chinense fragrance. Heat is moderate compared to superhot chinense types. It is commonly used fresh, in sauces and in Brazilian home cooking.

Plants are generally compact to medium sized, usually around 60–90 cm tall under good growing conditions. They are described as well branched and productive, bearing many pendant pods.

Origin records consistently point to Brazil, particularly southern regions. It is commonly regarded as a traditional Brazilian landrace rather than a modern hybrid. However, some sellers label it as a cultivar. There is no publicly documented breeder record or formal stabilisation record. The exact domestication timeline is unclear.

The earliest consistent appearance in international seed catalogues appears during the 1990s. No formal registration or named breeder release has been documented.