Brazilian Starfish Pepper
Also known as Aji Brazilian Starfish · Pitanga Pepper · Brazilian Starfish Aji
Brazilian Starfish is a Capsicum baccatum with flattened, lobed pods that ripen red, and a sweet, fruity flavor at medium heat. The plants are vigorous and weeping, and they set heavily.
Growing
~90 days to maturity
Fruit size
2.5–5 cm
Flavor & Use
Sweet and fruity with complex floral undertones, crisp juicy texture, and a slow-building medium heat.
Culinary
About
Pods are flattened and star-like, about 1 to 2 inches across and 0.5 to 0.75 inches thick, with ribs and smooth skin. They ripen from green to red. The taste is sweet and crisp, with floral and fruity notes that tasters often compare to apple, and the heat sits mostly in the placenta and builds slowly. Plants have a weeping, vine-like habit, commonly 3 to 6 feet tall, with white flowers marked by yellowish spots. A long warm season suits them. Use the pods fresh, pickled, or cooked.
Backstory
Capsicum baccatum was domesticated in the Andes. Seed catalogs place this starfish-pod type in Brazil and sell it as an open-pollinated heirloom, without a named breeder or a recorded cross.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreNothing reputable documents a pedigree for this pepper.
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Brazilian Starfish Pepper?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 29,997 SHU (Lab-verified). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat
- What does Brazilian Starfish Pepper taste like?
- Sweet and fruity with complex floral undertones, crisp juicy texture, and a slow-building medium heat.
- How do I grow Brazilian Starfish Pepper?
- Brazilian Starfish Pepper: about 90 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Brazilian Starfish Pepper?
- serrano pepper, jalapeño for milder heat, aji amarillo for similar baccatum flavor, Serrano, Jalapeño, Ají Amarillo