capsicum baccatum - SHU: 30.000
Bishop's Crown chili pepper, also known as "Christmas Bell" or "Peri Peri," is a uniquely shaped chili pepper that resembles a bishop’s mitre, giving it its distinctive name. This variety is celebrated for its mild heat and fruity, tangy flavor, making it a versatile choice for a range of culinary applications. Its striking appearance and moderate spice make it a favorite among home gardeners and chili enthusiasts.
The Bishop’s Crown pepper, a unique variety of Capsicum baccatum, is believed to have originated in the Caribbean, with ancestral ties to South America. Its distinct shape and ornamental appeal quickly made it a favorite not only for cooking but also for garden aesthetics. Historically cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates, this pepper became popular for its balance of sweetness and mild heat, as well as for its versatility in traditional and modern cuisine. Its eye-catching, crown-like appearance has ensured its continued presence in home gardens and farmers’ markets across the world.
The Bishop’s Crown pepper is a vigorous, bushy plant that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height when properly supported. It produces an abundance of bright red, lantern-shaped fruits that resemble a bishop’s mitre, with three distinct lobes creating its signature crown-like silhouette. Each pepper typically measures 4 to 6 centimeters across and ripens from green to a vibrant red. The flavor is sweet and fruity with a mild to moderate heat level, generally ranging between 5,000 and 30,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The heat is concentrated primarily in the central cavity of the fruit, while the outer lobes are noticeably milder. The plant is both productive and ornamental, making it an excellent choice for decorative edible landscapes and flavorful harvests.
Bishop’s Crown is a warm-season crop that performs best in sunny, well-drained locations. Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost, sowing them 0.5 centimeters deep in moist seed-starting mix. Maintain a soil temperature of 25 to 30°C to ensure strong germination. Once seedlings are well established and outdoor conditions are warm and stable, transplant them into the garden, spacing each plant about 60 centimeters apart to allow ample room for growth. The plant thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporate compost or organic matter before planting to promote vigorous development. Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist without overwatering. As the plants grow and begin producing fruit, provide support such as stakes or cages to manage their height and weight. Fertilize every four to six weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong growth and fruiting. Fruits are ready for harvest between 90 and 120 days after transplanting, and they should be picked when they are firm and fully red. Use scissors or shears to harvest peppers without damaging the plant. Regular harvesting will stimulate continuous production.
The Bishop’s Crown pepper offers a unique combination of sweet fruitiness and mild heat, making it a versatile ingredient in a wide array of recipes. When used fresh, it adds color and flavor to salads and salsas, and its attractive, hollow lobes make it ideal for stuffing with cheese, grains, or seasoned meats. It also lends itself well to pickling, producing tangy peppers perfect for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and antipasti. In cooked dishes, Bishop’s Crown peppers contribute subtle heat and depth of flavor to stir-fries, stews, and sauces. Their distinctive shape and pleasant taste make them suitable for both everyday cooking and decorative culinary presentations. When dried, the peppers can be ground into a flavorful, mildly spicy powder or used whole to season soups and broths. With their approachable heat level and appealing taste, Bishop’s Crown peppers are an excellent choice for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.
Like many chili varieties, Bishop’s Crown peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, both of which support immune function and promote healthy skin and vision. They also contain antioxidants that help combat free radical damage and reduce inflammation. The capsaicin content, though milder than in hotter varieties, can aid metabolism and digestion. With their combination of flavor, beauty, and health benefits, Bishop’s Crown peppers are a rewarding addition to the home garden and the kitchen alike.
