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Spicy exchange / 2023

Siling labuyo: an at-risk Filipino pepper with many uses

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What to know:

In the vibrant tapestry of Filipino cuisine, few elements ignite the palate quite like the renowned siling labuyo pepper.

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Siling labuyo peppers are a small pepper widely embraced in the Philippines. They are used to add spice to many dishes, have been used historically in traditional medicine, and are still used in some modern medical contexts.

What are siling labuyo peppers?

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What is siling labuyo in English?

The term “siling labuyo,” rooted in Tagalog, simply translates to “wild chili” in English. If you are looking for them in the US, they will simply be called siling labuyo, labuyo chili, or Filipino bird’s eye chilis.

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When fully grown, the fruits measure around 2.5 cm long and 0.75 cm wide. They start as lively green and gradually mature to vibrant red as they ripen. There are several other varieties, however, that evolve into yellow, purple, and black.

What do they look like?

"File:Capsicum 'Siling Labuyo' (Mindanao, Philippines) 1.jpg" by Obsidian Soul is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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How hot is siling labuyo?

While tiny in size, siling labuyo packs impressive heat, ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 SHU. To put it in perspective, they share a similar spiciness level with the hotter end of Thai bird’s eye chilis, which fall in the 50,000 to 100,000 SHU range.

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Siling labuyo tends to be hotter on average than Thai chilis, adding an extra punch to your palate. Visually, siling labuyo peppers are a touch smaller than their Thai counterparts, and they have a more rounded end, while Thai chilis sport a pointed tip.

Siling labuyo vs. Thai chilis

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Flavor profile

When it comes to flavor, siling labuyo peppers are all about the heat – they take center stage without sharing much of the spotlight with other flavor notes. Like all peppers, they are slightly vegetal, and as they mature, a hint of sweetness joins the mix.

"File:Toyo at kalamansi (toyomansi) with siling labuyo (Philippines) 01.jpg" by Obsidian Soul is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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Siling labuyo chilis take the spotlight in Filipino cooking, making their flavorful appearance both when they are green and red. Found in various dishes, these chilis, known for their heat, have earned a special place in Filipino cuisines.

Common culinary uses

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Other uses of siling labuyo

Siling labuyo peppers are also embedded in the fabric of traditional Filipino medicine, particularly for treating conditions like arthritis and toothaches. In contemporary contexts, studies indicate their potential to alleviate pain and inhibit microbial growth.

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