Capsicum baccatum

 

The Capsicum baccatum species is quite different from all other domesticated species of peppers and is the least cultivated and least widespread of them all.

They are identified by their black seeds and hairy leaves (the name component pubescens means hairy). All of the peppers in this species have a distinctive capsaicinoid content, which gives them a flavour and heat that is different from all other peppers.

Some of the cultivars are even hotter than the habanero! A significant trait of this species is its ability to withstand and even thrive in temperatures that are lower than the temperatures other pepper plants can handle.

Native to Bolivia and Peru, the Capsicum pubescens species is now grown throughout Latin America but is not seen in too many countries outside of that. The plants and fruits are known as locoto and rocoto. Some of the more well known varieties in this species are the Mexican Manzanos, Bolivian Locotos and Peruvian Rocotos.

Capsicum baccatum consists primarily of the South American cultivars known as Aji’s. The most well known variety in this species is the Aji Amarilllo or the Amarillo chile. Other cultivars and varieties included in this species are Brazilian Starfish, Peppadew, Bishop’s Crown, Wild Baccatum and Lemon Drop. The species is noted for their uniquely shaped fruit, which are often likened to tulip flowers.

The chiles have a smoky-fruity flavour that is characteristic to this particular species and cannot be found or reproduced in any other chile species. The heat of these pods is as varied as it gets and can range from totally mild to fiery, scorching hot.

Interestingly, even in the chiles that have a significant amount of heat, the wings are still mild and sweet, giving the fruit a taste that is complex and complete without being overpowering. It’s a unique experience, somewhat like tasting two chilees in one.

The history of the Capsicum baccatum is as unique as the chile itself. It was the first and only species that was actually brought by the colonizers to South and Central America instead of the colonizers taking the plants back with them.

Physical Characteristics

Baccatum literally translates to ‘berry-like’, which says a lot about the physical appearance of the pods in this species. The fruits are squat with a height ranging between 1"- 2" and a diameter of 2"- 3". The chiles mature to bright colourful, wrinkled pods of oranges, yellows and reds.

The plant itself is lanky and grows to a total height of about 4 - 5 feet with an approximate spread of about 3 feet. The pods are erect when young and they become more pendant as they mature.