Habanero

Habanero is a Capsicum chinense pepper believed to have originated in the Amazon Basin before spreading through Central America and becoming strongly associated with Mexico, particularly the Yucatán Peninsula. Despite its name being derived from La Habana in Cuba, it is not a traditional Cuban cooking pepper and instead reflects historical trade routes.

Plants produce small, lantern-shaped pods typically measuring 2 to 6 centimetres in length. Fruits occur in a wide range of colours including orange, red, yellow, brown, white, green, and purple, depending on cultivar and maturity stage.

Heat levels are high, commonly ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville Heat Units, with an average around 225,000 SHU. Beyond heat, habaneros are known for a strong floral aroma and fruity flavour. The pepper thrives in hot climates and is widely used in sauces, salsas, and spicy dishes. Numerous cultivars and selections have since been developed from the original habanero gene pool.