# Melrose

Species: Capsicum annuum.

Melrose is a Capsicum annuum cultivar from Campania, Italy. Capsi’s sourced range is 0–1,000 SHU (Vendor Claim). Flavor is sweet, subtle, rich and full-bodied when cooked, sweeter and more complex when red-ripe. Used for Classic Chicago Italian-American preparations include frying in olive oil with garlic and serving with crusty bread, stuffing with hot Italian sausage and baking, roasting or adding to pasta sauces, antipasto, salads. Heat is a range, not a single marketing number.

## Heat sources

- 0–100 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Melrose Hot Pepper Seeds
  https://pepperjoe.com/products/melrose-pepper-seeds

- 0 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Melrose
  https://awhaley.com/shop-seeds/melrose/

- 0 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Sweet Pepper 'Melrose’ Seeds (Naturally Grown)
  https://www.gardenhoard.com/sweet-pepper-melrose-seeds-certified-organic.html

- 0 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Melrose Sweet Pepper
  https://www.hrseeds.com/product-page/melrose-sweet-pepper

- 0–1,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Pepper Heat Scale - Best Pepper Plants
  https://goebbertspumpkinfarm.com/garden-center-spring/vegetable-plants/best-pepper-plants/

## Heritage

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

## Page sources

- [Extensive history, appearance, flavor, and growing details for Melrose Sweet Pepper](https://store.underwoodgardens.com/Melrose-Pepper-Capsicum-annuum/productinfo/V1106/)
- [Heirloom description, days to maturity, and flavor notes for Melrose Sweet Pepper](https://www.southernexposure.com/products/melrose-sweet-pepper/)
- [Cultural significance, texture, and traditional Chicago preparations of Melrose peppers](https://midwesterner.org/a-taste-of-melrose-park/)
- [Detailed origin story and historical context of Melrose peppers in Chicago](https://eatingtheworld.net/2017/08/30/the-secret-history-of-melrose-peppers/)
- [Chicago Tribune feature on the history, flavor, and culinary uses of Melrose peppers](https://www.chicagotribune.com/2017/08/14/the-story-of-the-melrose-pepper-a-sweet-vegetable-with-deep-chicago-roots/)

## FAQ
### How hot is Melrose?

Capsi’s sourced range is 0–1,000 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 Melrose taste like?

Pleasant and mild when raw or green; develops a deep, silky sweetness and slight earthiness when fried, roasted, or fully ripened. Thin skin allows flavors to concentrate without bitterness.

### How do I grow Melrose?

Melrose: about 70 days to maturity, warm temperate climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.

### What can I substitute for Melrose?

Capsi does not have that recorded yet.

Page: https://web.thecapsi.app/pepper/melrose
Catalog: https://web.thecapsi.app/data