Cumari do Para
Also known as Cumari do Pará · Pimenta Cumari · Cumari
The Cumari do Para is a rare, tiny yellow chili pepper native to Brazil's Pará state in the Amazon region. This Capsicum chinense variety produces prolific crops of pea-sized pods with fruity, citrus-like flavor and variable heat ranging from medium to extra-hot.
Growing
~90 days to maturity
Fruit size
1–2 cm
Flavor & Use
Strong fruity aroma with sweet, tropical notes and a distinct citrus-like flavor; delivers an immediate burst of sweetness before the heat builds.
Culinary
About
Hailing from the northern Brazilian state of Pará, the Cumari do Para is a wild or semi-wild Capsicum chinense pepper prized for its small size and intense yet flavorful heat. The compact, bushy plants grow to about 70 cm tall and produce an abundance of 1 cm (roughly 0.5 inch) bullet-shaped pods that ripen from green to a striking golden yellow. These pea-like fruits deliver a strong fruity aroma with sweet, tropical, and citrus notes reminiscent of habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers. In Brazilian cuisine, especially in Pará, they are traditionally used fresh in hot sauces, salsas, and pickled preparations, or dried into a flavorful powder. The name derives from the indigenous Tupi-Guarani language, translating roughly to 'small yellow pepper' or evoking 'the taste of pleasure.' Closely related to other Amazonian chinense types like Aji Charapita, it is difficult to source outside its native region but grows easily in pots with high yields. Its vibrant yellow fruits stand out dramatically against the green foliage, adding both ornamental and culinary appeal.
Backstory
Named after the Cumari region and Pará state in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, this pepper's name comes from the extinct Tupian indigenous language meaning 'small yellow pepper' or 'taste of pleasure.' It is one of the most popular 'Cumari' varieties in northern Brazil, distinct from southern praetermissum types, and remains rare outside its native habitat.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreWe don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Cumari do Para?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 50,000 SHU (Lab-verified; typical 50,000). 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 Cumari do Para taste like?
- Strong fruity aroma with sweet, tropical notes and a distinct citrus-like flavor; delivers an immediate burst of sweetness before the heat builds.
- How do I grow Cumari do Para?
- Cumari do Para: about 90 days to maturity, tropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Cumari do Para?
- Habanero, Scotch bonnet, Aji Charapita