# Rocoto Rojo

Also known as Red Rocoto, Red Manzano, Rocoto Red Pepper, Manzana Roja, Chile Rocoto Rojo, Locoto Rojo.
Species: Capsicum pubescens.

Rocoto Rojo is a Capsicum pubescens cultivar from Andes Mountains, Peru. Capsi’s sourced range is 6,814–127,541 SHU (Lab-verified; typical 80,265). Flavor is fruity, sweet, citrusy, grassy, juicy. Used for stuffing (Rocoto Relleno), salsas, hot sauces, stews, ceviche. Heat is a range, not a single marketing number.
About 3.2 times a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU typical).

## Heat sources

- 6,814–83,961 SHU · Lab-verified
  H. Kollmannsberger, A. Rodríguez-Burruezo, S. Nitz, F. Nuez (2011) Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture · HPLC
  DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4354
  https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.4354

- 127,541 SHU · Lab-verified
  Natalia Salgado-Aristizabal et al. (2024) Processes · HPLC
  DOI: 10.3390/pr12102154
  https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12102154

- 175,000 SHU · Official breeder
  Heat | Chile Pepper Institute
  https://cpi.nmsu.edu/chile-info/heat.html

- 30,000–100,000 SHU · Unverified
  Rocoto Pepper Guide: Heat, Flavor, Uses
  https://pepperscale.com/rocoto-pepper/

## Heritage

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

## Page sources

- [PepperScale: Rocoto Pepper Guide](https://pepperscale.com/rocoto-pepper/)
- [Chili Pepper Madness: Rocoto Peppers](https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-types/medium-hot-chili-peppers/rocoto-chili-peppers/)
- [Wikipedia: Capsicum pubescens botanical and historical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsicum_pubescens)
- [Specialty Produce: Rocoto Chile Peppers](https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Rocoto_Chile_Peppers_16993.php)
- [PepperGeek: Rocoto Peppers comprehensive guide](https://peppergeek.com/rocoto-peppers/)
- [PFAF: Capsicum pubescens cultivation and hardiness details](https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Capsicum+pubescens)

## FAQ
### How hot is Rocoto Rojo?

Capsi’s sourced range is 6,814–127,541 SHU (Lab-verified; typical 80,265). 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 Rojo taste like?

Sweet and fruity with citrusy undertones, grassy notes, and a juicy, meaty texture akin to a tomato or bell pepper, delivering substantial heat after the initial pleasant flavor.

### How do I grow Rocoto Rojo?

Rocoto Rojo: about 120 days to maturity, cool highland climate, full sun, hardiness zones 8-11.

### What can I substitute for Rocoto Rojo?

Capsi does not have that recorded yet.

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