Bishop’s Crown

Sweet and brightly fruity with citrus and subtle floral undertones; the flavor is refreshing and clean with only gentle warmth that enhances rather than dominates other ingredients.

The Bishop’s Crown pepper, also known as Christmas Bell or Joker’s Hat, is a unique variety within the baccatum species native to the Andean foothills and surrounding regions of South America, with a long history of cultivation also noted in Barbados. Its pods feature a striking, lobed structure resembling a crown or hat with three to five distinct protrusions, typically measuring 2–3 inches across when mature. They ripen from green to a vibrant red or orange-red with glossy, slightly wrinkled skin and crisp, juicy flesh. The plant grows bushy and highly productive, often reaching 3–5 feet tall, making it as decorative as it is edible. It offers a bright, sweet-fruity taste with subtle citrus and floral notes and only gentle-to-medium heat that builds mildly without lingering. This makes it excellent for raw preparations, pickling, stuffing, roasting, or adding color and balanced spice to dishes without overpowering them.

Cultivated for centuries in the Andean regions of South America, this heirloom was selected by indigenous farmers for its striking appearance, productivity, and pleasant mild flavor long before European contact. It spread through trade routes, becoming established in Barbados and later introduced to Europe (possibly via Portuguese traders in the 18th century). Today it remains a favorite in home gardens worldwide for both its ornamental beauty and versatile culinary qualities.