Orange Rocoto

Sweet and fruity with citrus notes and grassy undertones

Orange Rocoto peppers, also known as Orange Manzano, are heirloom varieties of Capsicum pubescens originating from the Andean mountain slopes of Peru. These peppers ripen from green to a brilliant orange and have a distinctive apple-like shape measuring about 2 inches in diameter with exceptionally thick walls and juicy flesh. Unlike many other peppers, they feature unique black seeds and are among the most cold-tolerant varieties, thriving in cooler climates and capable of producing for up to 15 years as perennials. Their flavor profile is delightfully sweet and fruity with citrusy notes, complemented by a medium heat level of 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units. This makes them ideal for a variety of culinary applications including stuffing, salsas, hot sauces, and traditional Peruvian dishes like rocoto relleno. The plants grow up to 4 feet tall with hairy leaves and vibrant blue or purple flowers.

The Orange Rocoto is an ancient heirloom pepper from the Peruvian Andes, cultivated for thousands of years by pre-Incan civilizations. It stands out for its cold hardiness and distinctive black seeds among Capsicum pubescens varieties.