Hot Peppers
Hot peppers are members of the pepper family that contain varying levels of capsaicin, the natural compound responsible for their heat. They range from mildly warm peppers such as poblanos and Anaheim peppers to very hot varieties such as habaneros and other chile peppers. Hot peppers can be green, red, orange, yellow, purple, or other colors depending on the variety and stage of ripeness.
Heat levels vary widely, even among peppers of the same general type. Some hot peppers are primarily used to add heat, while others contribute distinctive fruity, smoky, earthy, or grassy flavors. They can be eaten fresh, dried, pickled, fermented, roasted, or cooked into sauces and other dishes.
In Season: Jul-Sep● in season now
Where to buy fresh Hot Peppers near you
No farms or markets are listed for Hot Peppers yet. Check back soon.
Cooking Guide
Heat Level
Hot peppers range from mildly spicy to extremely hot. Their heat is measured using the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale, which measures the concentration of capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat. Heat levels are approximate because the heat of an individual pepper can vary based on variety, growing conditions, maturity, and even individual fruit.
Mild — 0–2,500 SHU: Poblano and Anaheim peppers are generally on the milder end of the hot-pepper spectrum.
Medium — 2,500–30,000 SHU: Jalapeño and serrano peppers provide noticeable heat without overwhelming a dish.
Hot — 30,000–100,000 SHU: Cayenne and Thai chile peppers bring a more pronounced heat and are often used in sauces, seasoning, and spicy dishes.
Very Hot — 100,000–350,000 SHU: Habanero and Scotch bonnet peppers are intensely hot and also have distinctive fruity flavors.
Extremely Hot — 350,000+ SHU: Superhot varieties such as ghost peppers, Carolina Reapers, and other specialty chiles can produce extreme heat and should be used sparingly.
When trying an unfamiliar pepper, start with a small amount and add more as needed. Removing the inner ribs and membranes can reduce some of the heat. Take care when handling very hot peppers and avoid touching your eyes or face; wash hands, knives, and cutting surfaces thoroughly after preparation.
Recipes for Hot Peppers
Salsa Verde de Sanchez
6 Ingredients
Cook time: 20 mins
Louisiana-Style Remoulade Sauce
11 Ingredients
Cook time: 15 mins
Jambalaya Recipe (Creole)
21 Ingredients
Cook time: 1 hour
Where to find locally grown Hot Peppers
No farms or markets are currently listed for Hot Peppers.
Join Culineer for free to find seasonal ingredients near you, discover local recipes, and connect with farmers in your area.