Hangjiao 8 Total Eclipse

Hangjiao 8, also known as Total Eclipse or HJ8, is a Capsicum annuum cultivar developed in China through the 1987 space mutation breeding programme led by Jiang Xingcun. As part of this research, chilli seeds were sent into orbit to increase mutation rates, after which selected plants were stabilised for cultivation.

Plants are compact and productive, typically reaching 60 to 70 centimetres in height when grown in pots. Pods are very large, commonly measuring 20 to 25 centimetres long and around 4 centimetres wide. Fruit shape varies, with straight, curved, and twisted forms occurring on the same plant. Pods mature from green to bright red.

The flavour is sweet, juicy, and crisp, with very mild heat. Pungency averages around 1,000 Scoville Heat Units, making Hangjiao 8 suitable for fresh eating and cooking where low heat is desired.