Hungarian Wax
Also known as Hungarian Hot Wax · Hot Hungarian Wax · Wax Pepper · Hungarian Yellow Wax · Hungarian Wax Chile
The Hungarian Wax pepper (also known as Hungarian Hot Wax or Hot Hungarian Wax) is a mildly spicy, waxy yellow chili with a distinctive curved, banana-like shape. It offers crisp texture, tangy sweetness, and a gentle heat that makes it perfect for pickling, stuffing, and fresh eating.
About 1/4.7 the typical heat of a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU).
Growing
~65 days to maturity
Fruit size
10–20 cm
Flavor & Use
Sweet and tangy with a mild peppery kick and crisp, juicy texture. The flavor is brighter and slightly more acidic than a bell pepper, with a pleasant warmth that builds gently rather than overwhelming.
Culinary
About
Hungarian Wax peppers are long, slender, curved fruits (4–8 inches / 10–20 cm long) with smooth, waxy skin. They are typically harvested at the bright yellow stage; if left to mature they turn orange or bright red. The flesh is thick, crisp, and juicy. Plants are productive and grow 2–3 ft tall.
Backstory
Hungarian Wax peppers were developed in Hungary from Capsicum annuum stock introduced during the Columbian Exchange. Hungarian growers selected for the long, curved, waxy yellow form and moderate heat. The variety became popular in Central and Eastern Europe and later in the United States as a pickling and fresh-eating pepper. It is often grown alongside its milder cousin, the Banana pepper, but offers a pleasant spicy kick while retaining the same crisp, tangy character.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreWe don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Hungarian Wax?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 750–10,000 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 Hungarian Wax taste like?
- Sweet and tangy with a mild peppery kick and crisp, juicy texture. The flavor is brighter and slightly more acidic than a bell pepper, with a pleasant warmth that builds gently rather than overwhelming.
- How do I grow Hungarian Wax?
- Hungarian Wax: about 65 days to maturity, temperate / cool-tolerant climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11 (grown as annual).
- What can I substitute for Hungarian Wax?
- banana pepper (milder), pepperoncini