Hangjiao 3 Solar Flare

Hangjiao 3, also known as Solar Flare, is a Capsicum annuum cultivar developed in China through a space mutation breeding programme. The Hangjiao series originates from chilli seeds that were sent into orbit as part of Chinese satellite experiments beginning in the late 1980s, aimed at increasing mutation rates for plant breeding. Hangjiao 3 traces back to work initiated in 1987 by Jiang Xingcun of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Plants typically grow to 50 to 60 centimetres in height and are productive. Pods are long and slender, reaching up to 20 centimetres in length and around 2 centimetres wide. Fruits mature from light green to a warm orange colour and may be straight or slightly curved.

The flavour is mild and sweet, with notes similar to capsicum and green beans. Heat levels sit in the upper mild range, averaging around 10,000 Scoville Heat Units. Despite its association with space breeding, Hangjiao 3 is a conventional cultivated pepper selected and stabilised from mutation-bred lines rather than exhibiting extreme or unusual traits.