Hangjiao 5 Helix Nebula

Hangjiao 5, also known as Helix Nebula or HJ5, is a Capsicum annuum cultivar developed in China through the 1987 space mutation breeding programme. As part of this research, chilli seeds were sent into orbit to increase mutation rates, with selected lines later stabilised for agricultural use.

Plants are compact, typically reaching 50 to 60 centimetres in height, and are highly productive. Pods are very large and elongated, commonly reaching up to 30 centimetres long and around 4 centimetres wide. Fruit shape is variable, ranging from straight to curled or spiral forms. Pods mature from green to bright red.

The fruits have thin walls and a sweet, fruity flavour with mild to moderate heat, averaging around 7,000 Scoville Heat Units. Hangjiao 5 is used fresh and cooked and is valued for its size, yield, and distinctive pod shapes.