Pimenta da Neyde – a mysterious chilli with purple elegance
What makes Pimenta da Neyde special
Pimenta da Neyde is a mysterious and beloved chilli variety with a deep purple colour in leaves, stems and pods. It is hot, beautiful and unique – a true collector’s chilli.
Background and name
The variety was discovered in Brazil and is probably a natural cross between C. chinense and C. annuum. It has become popular with growers for its dark colour and has been used as a parent in many modern crosses.
Appearance and growth habit
The plant grows 100–120 cm tall with purple-violet leaves and stems. The pods are long and slim and ripen from deep purple to purple-red-black. An eye-catching variety in any garden.
Estimated Scoville heat
Approx. 100,000 – 200,000 SHU
Flavour and uses
The flavour is fruity with clear heat and a metallic, spicy depth. Works very well in fresh dishes, pickles and sauces where you want to combine flavour with colour.
Ways to use Pimenta da Neyde
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Colour homemade chilli sauces
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Create a beautiful chilli oil
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Let it adorn the windowsill as an ornamental chilli
How to grow Pimenta da Neyde
Pimenta da Neyde belongs to Capsicum chinense. Sow your chilli seeds between January and March. It needs a long season and does best with supplementary lighting and high heat in a greenhouse or south-facing window.
The price is for 6 chilli seeds
Sow in moist seed compost 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.
