Rocoto Canario
Also known as Canario Pepper · Canario Yellow · Canary Pepper · Manzano Canario · Yellow Rocoto
The Rocoto Canario is a yellow-fruited variety of rocoto pepper (Capsicum pubescens) native to the Peruvian Andes. It produces thick-walled, apple-shaped pods that ripen to a vibrant dark yellow and deliver solid heat with a fruity, bell-pepper-like flavor. Hardy and perennial in suitable climates, it is prized in South American cuisine for stuffing and fresh preparations.
Growing
~105 days to maturity
Fruit size
4–7 cm
Flavor & Use
Sweet and fruity with grassy and citrus undertones, similar to a fresh bell pepper but with pronounced heat.
Culinary
About
The Rocoto Canario, also known as the yellow rocoto or canario pepper, belongs to the species Capsicum pubescens, distinguished by its hairy leaves and stems and black seeds. Originating in Peru, this heirloom variety thrives in cool highland conditions and can be grown as a perennial shrub reaching 2 to 15 feet tall in ideal environments. Fruits are blocky or apple-shaped, approximately 2 to 2.6 inches in diameter, with thick fleshy walls and an irregular form; they mature from green to a rich dark yellow. In Andean cooking, the peppers are commonly stuffed (as in rocotos rellenos), roasted, pickled, or added fresh to salsas, hot sauces, and ceviche. The plants feature attractive purple flowers and tolerate cooler temperatures better than most peppers, making them suitable for container growing or mild-winter gardens in USDA zones 9-11. They require a long growing season of 90-120 days to maturity and consistent moisture.
Backstory
One of the oldest domesticated chili peppers in the Americas, cultivated in the Andes since at least 6000 BCE. The Canario is the yellow-fruited form traditionally grown in Peru and parts of Mexico, valued for its resilience in cool mountain climates.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreWe don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Rocoto Canario?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 6,814–83,961 SHU (Lab-verified). 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 Rocoto Canario taste like?
- Sweet and fruity with grassy and citrus undertones, similar to a fresh bell pepper but with pronounced heat.
- How do I grow Rocoto Canario?
- Rocoto Canario: about 105 days to maturity, cool highland climate, full/partial sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Rocoto Canario?
- Red rocoto, Manzano pepper, Jalapeño (milder heat)