Biquinho Black – an elegant and fruity chilli
What makes Biquinho Black special?
Biquinho Black is a unique and decorative chilli variety that stands out with its dark, almost black pods. It is a mild chilli, which makes it perfect for anyone who appreciates a balanced heat and subtle flavour. The pods are small and drop-shaped, often called ‘Tear Drop chilli’, and become a focal point in both the garden and the kitchen. With its rich flavour profile and striking looks, Biquinho Black is a versatile chilli that suits everything from pickling to garnishes. Biquino Black ranges from mild to medium-hot, with a Scoville rating of around 1,000 – 5,000, so somewhat hotter than its siblings Biquino Red and Biquino Yellow.
Background and name
Biquinho Black is a variant of the popular Biquinho chilli, which originally comes from Brazil. ‘Biquinho’ means ‘little beak’ in Portuguese, which refers to the chilli’s characteristic drop shape. This black variety is relatively new and has quickly become popular for its unique looks and mild heat, which make it useful for both chilli lovers and those who prefer less heat.
Appearance and growth habit
Biquinho Black grows on compact and neat plants that do well both in pots and in open ground. The plants are highly productive and bear small, drop-shaped pods that ripen from green to a deep black shade and finally a dark red tone. The black pods have a smooth surface and measure about 2–3 cm in length. Thanks to its decorative habit, Biquinho Black is as much an ornamental plant as a useful one.
Flavour and uses
Biquinho Black has a mild heat and a sweet, fruity flavour with notes of berries and citrus. It is excellent as a pickling chilli, where its unique colour and flavour really come into their own. It also works as a delicate addition to salads, salsas and sauces where you want a milder chilli level with an elegant flavour profile.
Ways to use Biquinho Black
Here are some suggestions for how to use Biquinho Black in cooking:
- Pickles: Pickle whole pods in a mixture of vinegar and sugar for a sweet and tangy delicacy.
- Salads and garnishes: Use the whole or sliced pods as a garnish to add colour and mild heat to your dishes.
- Salsas and sauces: Add Biquinho Black to mild sauces or salsas for a subtle heat and fruitiness.
- Snacks: Serve the pickled pods as an appetising nibble on cheese boards or as an accompaniment to main courses.
Biquinho Black is a chilli that combines visual elegance with a mild and delicate flavour. It is an excellent choice for those who want to explore the world of chilli varieties without being overwhelmed by heat – and at the same time get a chilli that really draws the eye.
The price is for 6 chilli seeds
Open-pollinated
Sow in moist seed compost or peat pellets and keep warm, at about 25–30°C for best germination The compost should be moist but not wet. A propagator helps to keep the air humid. Once the seedlings have grown a little and developed their second pair of leaves, you can lower the temperature to about 20°C and take them out of the propagator. They do well on a sunny windowsill, in a greenhouse and outdoors in summer. For best results, soak the seeds in Growhelper for 12–24 hours before sowing
