Peach Habaneros: A Delightful Take on the Classic Habanero
Chili peppers come in various colors, and the peach habanero is one of the more uncommon ones. This unique pepper has a pink-orange hue reminiscent of orange sherbet and is part of the habanero family.
Read on to learn more about peach habaneros, including their heat level, taste, and typical uses.
Facts about Peach Habaneros
Peach Habaneros
Heat level: | Hot | |
SHU: | 150,000 – 350,000 | |
Classification: | Capsicum chinense | |
Origin: | Caribbean | |
Flavor: | Fruity Sweet |
What are peach habaneros?
Peach habaneros are part of the habanero family, originating in the Caribbean. They share a similar heat profile to most other habanero peppers, with a range of 150,000 to 350,000 Scoville heat units. This makes them a good option for people who enjoy extreme heat.
How hot are they?
Peach habaneros range from 150,000 – 350,000 SHU, which is pretty standard for habanero peppers. They can be as much as 140 times hotter than jalapeños, so they are only suitable for those who enjoy a lot of heat. I recommend wearing gloves when chopping up this pepper to ensure you don’t burn your skin.
What do peach habaneros taste like?
The peach habanero has a sweet, fruity taste, although it is not as sweet as the typical orange habanero. It is simply delicious, nonetheless, and its unique hue adds a nice touch to the presentation.
Peach habaneros vs. other habaneros
The peach habanero tends to be slightly hotter than a standard orange habanero but not as fiery as habanero super-hots like the Red Savina or chocolate habanero that can reach as hot as 500,000+ SHU.
Its flavor is also similar to orange and other habaneros, with the main distinguishing factor being its unique hue. It is a beautiful addition to your garden, with its salmon-colored flesh standing out against the green of its foliage.
Common uses and recipes for peach habaneros
Peach habaneros are versatile chili pepper in the kitchen, making them an excellent option for those who love extra-spicy food. Some common uses include fresh salsas, hot sauces, summer cocktails, and pickling to top sandwiches and sides with something hot and bright.
There are tons of recipes out there for hot sauces, cocktails, and pepper jellies that also use the peach (fruit), and the peach habanero is the perfect complement to these fruity recipes.
However, it is essential to note that a little goes a long way, so if you’re uncomfortable with a high heat level, start with a little and build from there.
Where can you buy peach habaneros?
While the common orange habanero (and some shades of red) have made their way into major grocery stores, the more unique hues are much harder to find. However, if you have a local specialty pepper farm, they may have peach habaneros, or if you garden, try growing these delicious chili peppers yourself.
Growing to only 18″ tall, the peach habanero works well in patio and container gardens.
While peach habaneros are less common than orange habaneros, they are worth seeking out for their unique hue and delicious taste. But remember, a little goes a long way, so use caution when cooking with them.