NuMex Suave Orange

Distinctive habanero-like flavor with notes of tropical fruit and citrus, smooth and mellow without significant heat.

The NuMex Suave Orange is an open-pollinated cultivar of Capsicum chinense released in 2004 by the Chile Pepper Institute at New Mexico State University. It features lantern- or conical-shaped pods that are wrinkled, measuring approximately 4-8 cm in length and ripening from medium green to a vibrant yellow-orange. The plants are vigorous, growing to 80-120 cm tall with pronounced basal branching, producing heavy yields of pendant fruits. What sets it apart is its exceptionally low pungency, typically 200-1000 SHU, allowing the complex tropical fruit and citrus notes to shine through without overwhelming heat. This makes it perfect for those who enjoy habanero flavor profiles in salsas, fresh salads, or cooked dishes. The name 'Suave' reflects its smooth, mild character in Spanish. Originally derived from an accession labeled 'Aji Orange,' it was renamed to avoid confusion with baccatum species.

Released in 2004 by the New Mexico State University Agricultural Experiment Station from accessions received in 1998. Named 'Suave' meaning mild or smooth in Spanish. Fills the niche for mild chinense peppers with habanero flavor. Derived from 'Aji Orange' accession via W.D. Adams; exact wild origin unknown but phenotypically domesticated C. chinense landrace-type.