# Piri Piri

Also known as African Bird's Eye, Peri Peri, Peri-peri, Pili Pili, Piri-piri.
Species: Capsicum frutescens.

Piri Piri is a Capsicum frutescens cultivar from Southern Africa, Mozambique (via Portuguese trade). Capsi’s sourced range is 30,000–50,000 SHU (Official breeder). Flavor is citrusy, tangy, fruity, bright, sweet. Used for peri-peri chicken and grilled meats, hot sauces and condiments, marinades for seafood and poultry, stews and curries, African and Portuguese dishes. Heat is a range, not a single marketing number.

## Heat sources

- 30,000–50,000 SHU · Official breeder
  Oregon State University Extension Service EC 1227
  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-1227-grow-your-own-peppers

- 99,579–112,226 SHU · Referenced
  (2008) Fiery Foods & Barbecue Central
  https://www.fieryfoodscentral.com/2008/06/01/pepper-profile-african-birdseye-2/

- 200,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Peri Peri Pepper Seeds · HPLC
  https://www.reimerseeds.com/peri-peri-hot-peppers

- 100,000–200,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Chilli Peri Peri
  https://inheritedseeds.com/products/chilli-peri-peri

## Heritage

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

## Page sources

- [Botanical taxonomy, plant characteristics, history, Scoville range](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piri_piri)
- [Detailed heat/flavor profile, origin via Portuguese trade, culinary uses](https://pepperscale.com/peri-peri-pepper/)
- [SHU range, growing tips, flavor notes, recipes and heirloom context](https://chillichump.com/peri-peri-chilli-pepper/)
- [Seed catalog specs: pod size, plant height, heat level, origin notes](https://www.chileplants.com/search.aspx?ProductCode=CHIPILL)
- [USDA proxy nutrition data for raw hot red chili peppers (applicable analog)](https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170106/nutrients)
- [Germination, temperature, pollination and care specifics for the variety](https://support.clickandgrow.com/hc/en-us/articles/360033867394-Piri-Piri-Chili-Pepper)

## FAQ
### How hot is Piri Piri?

Capsi’s sourced range is 30,000–50,000 SHU (Official breeder). 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 Piri Piri taste like?

Sharp and vibrant with bright citrus, tangy fruitiness, and subtle sweetness; the heat is intense yet clean, building quickly and fading to leave a refreshing warmth and lingering zest.

### How do I grow Piri Piri?

Piri Piri: about 100 days to maturity, tropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.

### What can I substitute for Piri Piri?

Thai bird’s eye (similar shape and heat), Malagueta, cayenne pepper

Page: https://web.thecapsi.app/pepper/piri-piri
Catalog: https://web.thecapsi.app/data