Espelette

Grown in the Basque region of France for over 400 years this celebrated pepper is traditionally strung into ristras, dried, and then ground into a mildly-hot powder that is the soul of Basque cooking. With a Scoville rating of 4,000 the heat level is similar to that of black pepper and the flavour is warm, rich and fruity with just a touch of sweetness. Strong, branching plants are very productive in our zone 5 fields producing loads of upright clusters of 12–15 cm (5–6") long, tapered fruits that dry beautifully. Grow them in the garden or in pots and provide a stake to hold the heavy clusters of fruit. This one will be a work horse in your kitchen.

Capsicum annuum

Days to Maurity: 80 days

Scoville Heat Units: 4,000