Datil Pepper (Capsicum chinense)

Spicy Gem of St. Augustine

Common Names: Datil Pepper
Family: Solanaceae
Origin: St. Augustine, Florida (believed to be brought from Minorca, Spain)

The Datil Pepper (Capsicum chinense) is a small, spicy heirloom chili pepper that packs a flavorful punch. Known for its sweet, fruity flavor with a heat level similar to habanero, the Datil Pepper is a staple in the cuisine of St. Augustine, Florida, where it has been grown for over a century. Despite its heat, which measures between 100,000 and 300,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), the Datil Pepper is celebrated for its unique taste, making it ideal for hot sauces, marinades, and relishes. This versatile pepper is not only a local treasure but also a favorite among chili enthusiasts.

Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value

Fruits: The Datil Pepper is small, measuring 1-3 inches in length, and ripens to a bright yellow or orange color. The peppers are known for their intense heat and fruity, tangy flavor, often compared to the habanero but with a slightly sweeter undertone.

Growth Habit: Datil Peppers grow as compact, bushy plants, reaching about 2-4 feet tall. They are highly productive, often yielding an abundance of peppers from late summer through fall.

Nutritional Value: Datil Peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat. Capsaicin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolism-boosting properties.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Datil Peppers are commonly used in hot sauces, salsas, and marinades, adding both heat and flavor to a variety of dishes. They are a key ingredient in the cuisine of St. Augustine, often used in seafood dishes, relishes, and barbecue sauces. Despite their fiery heat, their fruity undertone makes them a versatile pepper for both savory and sweet applications.

Medicinally, the capsaicin in Datil Peppers has been used for its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and metabolism-boosting benefits. Regular consumption of spicy foods containing capsaicin is believed to support heart health and digestive health.