Can you eat ornamental peppers? Guide to uses and flavor

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Ornamental peppers refer to a wide range of chili pepper varieties cultivated primarily for aesthetic appeal rather than culinary use. These peppers are often small in size and are commonly sold in compact pots.

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While ornamental peppers come in numerous varieties, their fruits are, in fact, edible. While some also have beautifully colored foliage, the leaves, stems, and other parts of pepper plants are not edible.

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Do ornamental peppers taste good?

Cream Section Separator The flavor of ornamental peppers varies widely depending on the specific variety. Many of these peppers offer a straightforward spicines. Some ornamental peppers may even have a bitter taste. Learn more

The Scoville Heat Units (SHU) for these peppers generally range between 10,000 and 50,000, comparable to serrano peppers on the lower end and cayenne peppers on the upper end.

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How to use ornamental peppers in cooking

Cream Section Separator Ornamental peppers, although sometimes less flavorful, excel at adding vibrant colors to dishes. They can be finely chopped and used as a garnish or sprinkled atop salads for an eye-catching presentation. Learn more

Determining the ripeness of ornamental peppers can be somewhat challenging due to their unique color variations. While peppers are technically edible even when green, some varieties like jalapeños and serranos are often consumed at this stage.

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My favorite edible ornamental peppers

Cream Section Separator Black Prince - I’m currently growing these and am captivated by their almost gothic look. Prairie Fire - These small peppers pack a vibrant array of colors reminiscent of Christmas lights. Learn more

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The "green thumb" is a myth — with the right information, anyone can successfully grow peppers. Enjoy this free 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest. Cream Section Separator Get the free guide