How hot is Cheongyang Chili Pepper?

Capsi’s sourced range is 8,000–10,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). 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

How do I grow Cheongyang Chili Pepper?

Cheongyang Chili Pepper: about 70 days to maturity, temperate climate, full sun.

What can I substitute for Cheongyang Chili Pepper?

serrano pepper, Thai chili (bird's eye)

Cheongyang Chili Pepper (Cheongyang gochu)

Also known as Cheongyang gochu · 청양고추 · Chungyang Red Pepper · Cheongyang pepper

The Cheongyang chili pepper is a medium-sized hot cultivar of Capsicum annuum developed in South Korea, prized for its sharp heat and grassy flavor that distinguishes it from milder local gochu varieties.

About 1/2.8 the typical heat of a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU).

Growing

~70 days to maturity

Fruit size

7–10 cm

Flavor & Use

Grassy and earthy with subtle sweetness and a citrus tang; delivers a sharp, lingering burn that is cleaner than many Thai or Mexican chilies.

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Culinary

stewssoupskimchimarinadespicklesstir-fries

About

Cheongyang chili peppers (Korean: 청양고추) are a genetically improved hybrid strain created in 1983 by Dr. Il-ung Yoo (Yoo Il-Woong) through crossing Thai chilies with Jeju-do cultivars. The name derives from Cheongsong and Yeongyang counties, though it became a specialty of Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province. Fruits are slender and pointed like cayenne peppers, measuring around 3-5 inches long with thin walls. Unripe pods appear green or occasionally light purple before ripening to a deep, vibrant red that holds color well when dried. In Korean cuisine they are commonly used fresh—sliced or chopped—in stews, soups, kimchi, marinades, pickles, and stir-fries to deliver clean heat without overwhelming color from flakes.

Backstory

Developed in 1983 by Dr. Il-ung Yoo by hybridizing a Thai chili with Jeju-do cultivars; rights were later sold to Monsanto. It quickly became the spiciest popular Korean variety and a local agricultural specialty of Cheongyang County.

Appearance

ShapeSlender pointed pods resembling cayenne

ColorGreen · Light purple · Red

Size7–10 cm

WallThin

SkinGlossy

Growing

SunFull

WaterModerate

ClimateTemperate

Days to maturity70 days

Plant height60–80 cm

Soil pH6–6.5

Spacing35 cm

Heritage

Explore

We don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.

Sources

FAQ

How hot is Cheongyang Chili Pepper?: Capsi’s sourced range is 8,000–10,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). 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 Cheongyang Chili Pepper taste like?: Grassy and earthy with subtle sweetness and a citrus tang; delivers a sharp, lingering burn that is cleaner than many Thai or Mexican chilies.
How do I grow Cheongyang Chili Pepper?: Cheongyang Chili Pepper: about 70 days to maturity, temperate climate, full sun.
What can I substitute for Cheongyang Chili Pepper?: serrano pepper, Thai chili (bird's eye)