Pimenta da Neyde
Also known as Pimenta de Neyde · Neyde's Pepper
Pimenta da Neyde is a rare Brazilian chili pepper prized for its striking deep purple to almost black pods and habanero-level heat. Believed to be a natural hybrid between Capsicum annuum and Capsicum chinense, it was discovered in the garden of Neyde Hidalgo in São Paulo.
About 7.4 times a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU typical).
Growing
~90 days to maturity
Fruit size
5–8 cm
Flavor & Use
Habanero-like fruitiness with a touch of apple, slightly bitter undertone, floral notes, and occasional nutty or salty elements.
Culinary
About
Pimenta da Neyde peppers are visually dramatic with glossy, smooth-skinned pods that measure 2 to 3 inches long and about 0.5 inches wide in a bullet or oblong shape. The ripe fruit remains a deep plum-purple to near-black color without changing on the vine, while the interior placenta turns vibrant purple. The plants grow 2 to 4 feet tall with dark purple-green foliage, dark stems, and white flowers accented with purple markings. The flavor profile offers habanero-like fruitiness with subtle apple notes, a slightly bitter undertone, floral hints, and occasional nutty or salty elements. It excels in both ornamental landscaping and culinary applications such as hot sauces, spicy salsas, and bold marinades where its color can add striking purple tones to dishes. Discovered accidentally in the garden of Brazilian enthusiast Neyde Hidalgo, this hybrid is easy to grow with high yields and disease resistance similar to annuum or chinense varieties, thriving in full sun to partial shade for optimal dark coloration.
Backstory
Discovered growing spontaneously in the garden of Neyde Hidalgo in São Paulo, Brazil. Named after its discoverer and believed to be an accidental natural cross between unknown Capsicum annuum and Capsicum chinense varieties.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExplorePeppers bred from Pimenta da Neyde
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Pimenta da Neyde?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 184,700 SHU (Lab-verified; typical 184,700). 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 Pimenta da Neyde taste like?
- Habanero-like fruitiness with a touch of apple, slightly bitter undertone, floral notes, and occasional nutty or salty elements.
- How do I grow Pimenta da Neyde?
- Pimenta da Neyde: about 90 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Pimenta da Neyde?
- Habanero, Scotch Bonnet