Red Manzano Pepper Seeds (rocoto)

Description

Key Characteristics
Heat Level: Typically ranges from 12,000 to 30,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it about 2 to 12 times hotter than a jalapeño.
Flavor Profile: Described as sweet, fruity, and citrusy with a juicy, firm consistency.
Appearance: Round, apple-shaped pods that mature from green to bright red. The plants have distinctive “hairy” or furry leaves.
Longevity: It is a long-lived perennial that can produce fruit for up to 15 years and grow over 10 feet tall if protected from frost.

Culinary Uses
Due to its thick, meaty walls, the Red Manzano is excellent for:
Fresh Salsas: Its citrusy sweetness balances the heat well.
Stuffing: Similar to a bell pepper but with a spicy kick; often used for “Manzano poppers”.
Sauces & Pastes: Popular in hot sauces and traditional South American condiments.
Grilling: The thick flesh holds up well when sliced and grilled.
Note: The black seeds are very hard and are typically removed before eating.