Purple Thai
Also known as Purple Thai Chili · Thai Purple
Purple Thai is a rare variety in the Thai pepper family (Capsicum annuum) prized for its striking purple-to-orangish-red color transition, balanced heat, and bright flavor that shines in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Growing
~95 days to maturity
Fruit size
7.5–10 cm
Flavor & Use
Balanced sharp heat with bright citrusy and fruity notes (especially vibrant in the purple stage) and a clean herbal finish.
Culinary
About
The Purple Thai pepper is a distinctive Capsicum annuum variety from Thailand. Its slender, tapered pods measure 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) long and ripen from deep purple to bright orangish-red. The plant grows to about 3 feet tall, is highly productive, and performs especially well in containers. It delivers a clean, sharp heat with citrusy and fruity undertones—brighter and fruitier in the purple stage, deeper when fully red—making it ideal for authentic Thai and Southeast Asian dishes.
Backstory
A rare gem from the Thai pepper family originating in Thailand, this variety was popularized in the US by seed catalogs for its vibrant color, container-friendly growth, and excellent flavor-heat balance.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
We don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.