Cayenne peppers , part of the Capsicum annuum species , are iconic for their slender , red fruit and 30,000–50,000 Sc Eindhovenville Heat Unit ( SHU ) kick . The Classic Red Cayenne is a kitchen staple , double-dyed for powders , red-hot sauce , and Cajun spice blends . Golden Cayenne , with its yellow chromaticity , append a fruity note to salsas , while Purple Cayenne offer visual panache and mellisonant heat , ideal for brisk mantrap or ornamental gardens .
For those craving intense high temperature , Carolina Cayenne rescue a fiery 100,000–125,000 SHU , perfect for bold raging sauce and southerly dishes . Dragon Cayenne , a Thai - chilli pepper loanblend , hits 50,000–70,000 SHU with small , potent fruits great for chili flakes . Ring of Fire Cayenne , at 50,000 SHU , is a prolific selection for curries and spice lovers seek a reliable , scorching boot .
Milder long pepper miscellanea cater to flavor - centre cooks . Sweet Cayenne , with just 500–2,500 SHU , brings earthy sweetness to salads and stir - fries . Wildcat F1 , at 500–1,500 SHU , offers smoky , thick - walled peppers ideal for grilling or stuffing . These low - heat options make cayenne accessible for those who prefer insidious warmth over fiery spiciness .
Cayennes thrive in warm , cheery climate , needing full sun and well - drained soil . Start sow indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost , and infinite plants 1–2 feet aside . variety like Cayennetta and Red Flame are compact and high - yield , perfect for containers . Harvest when white pepper are waxy and unshakable , typically 100 days after planting , for peak sapidity .
jalapeno peppers elevate dishes from salsas to soups , couple well with garlic , citrus , and herbs . Their capsaicin content boosts metabolic process , aids digestion , and offers botheration succor , while vitamin A and blow bring home the bacon antioxidant benefits . Whether dried , fresh , or powdered , cayennes tote up versatile warmth and nutrition to any kitchen , pee-pee them a must - have for spiciness fancier .
Cayenne Peppers
1 . Classic Red Cayenne
The Classic Red Cayenne is the pilot of jalapeno peppercorn , qualify by its 4- to 6 - in - retentive , thin , ruby fruit with a wrinkled , curving tip . With a heat degree of 30,000–50,000 SHU , it deliver a sharp , peppery beef with a hint of sweetness , making it idealistic for homemade chili powders , hot sauce , and spice blends like Cajun seasoning . This variety is widely available in powdered form on grocery shop shelves , often labeled only as “ cherry capsicum . ” Its neutral flavor visibility ensures it enhances dish without overpowering other component , double-dyed for soup , stews , and marinade . Gardeners fuck its mellow return and ease of growth , thriving in warm , sunny climates .
2.Golden Cayenne
Golden Cayenne stands out with its vivacious scandalmongering chromaticity , offering a restrained heat of 30,000–50,000 SHU . This cultivar is value for its mellow productivity , often yielding 30–40 peppercorn per industrial plant . Its flavor is somewhat fruitier than the Classic Red , making it a fantastic addition to salsas , stir - fries , and pickled dishes . Golden Cayenne ’s bright color adds visual appealingness to gardens and plate , and its peppers dry out well for vivacious yellow chili flakes . This variety is a favorite among growers seeking ornamental economic value alongside culinary versatility , as it copulate beautifully with fresh herb and citrus in formula .
3 . Purple Cayenne
Purple Cayenne peppers are a spectacular variety , transitioning from unripe to a deep purple before ripen to red . With a heat stratum similar to the Classic Red ( 30,000–50,000 SHU ) , they offer a sweet , slightly fruity look that complements naughty - sweet dishes . These white pepper are often used for decorative purpose due to their intense color , but they ’re equally luscious in fresh salsas , infused oils , or dry for unequalled purple - red oddball . Purple Cayenne plants are compact , making them idealistic for container gardening , and their dual - function nature makes them a must - have for chili enthusiast .
4 . Joe ’s Long Cayenne
Joe ’s Long Cayenne , hailing from Calabria , Italy , and popularized in New York , is renowned for its impressively prospicient yield , often reaching 10–12 inches . This spicier form , clocking in at 40,000–50,000 SHU , deliver a robust heat with a strong , peppery flavor . Its marvellous , sturdy works grow 3–4 feet gamy , producing high yields despite casual blossom final stage rot . Joe ’s Long is unadulterated for drying into potent chili flakes or crafting fiery hot sauces , and its length makes it a standout in stir - fries or grill saucer . This cultivar is a pet for those who hunger bold heat and dramatic presentation .
5 . halo of Fire Cayenne
Ring of Fire Cayenne lives up to its name as one of the hottest Capsicum annuum longum mixed bag , with a Scoville valuation of around 50,000 SHU . Its 5- to 6 - in crimson Madagascar pepper are prolific on compact plants , making it idealistic for little garden or pots . The flavor is bold and slightly soapy for some , but its intense heat shinny in live sauce , curry , and homemade chili flakes . Ring of Fire has a truehearted followers among spicery lover for its dependableness and versatility , and it ’s a top option for those seeking maximal passion without venturing into ace - hot white pepper territory .
6 . Cayennetta Hybrid
The Cayennetta Hybrid is a standout for its all - around performance , bring in praise for its prolific yield , compact growth , and balanced flavor . With a heat level of 30,000–50,000 SHU , its 4- to 5 - inch red pepper offer a angelic , peppery tasting that cultivate in fresh , dried , or powdered figure . This hybrid is disease - repellent and thrives in various mood , name it a favorite for founding father gardeners . Use Cayennetta in hot sauces , spice hitch , or fresh salsas for a reliable kick that does n’t overwhelm . Its versatility and easiness of growth make it a top pick for home cook .
7 . Red Flame Hybrid
Red Flame Hybrid is a high - yielding chili pepper mixed bag , producing an abundance of 5- to 6 - column inch bright red peppercorn with a heat spirit level of 30,000–50,000 SHU . Its nip is sweet and slightly fruity , make it idealistic for fresh eating , grilling , or integrate into hot sauce . The plants are vigorous and compact , arrant for container horticulture . Red Flame ’s consistent size and fecund nature make it a go - to for those looking to harvest magnanimous quantities for drying or preserving . Pair it with garlic and acetum for a definitive hot sauce recipe .
8 . Large Red Thick Cayenne
Large Red Thick Cayenne is known for its satisfying , scraggly fruit , some curl into loops for a whimsical garden show . With a heat level of 30,000–50,000 SHU , its flavor is sweet and mellow , lacking the intense raciness of hot mixed bag . This makes it ideal for sassy eating or modest spice blend . However , yields are lower , and some fruits may collapse before ripening . well for small harvests , this variety suits Captain James Cook who prefer a subtle heat in salsas , ado - youngster , or roast dishes .
9 . Buena Mulata
Buena Mulata , while not always labeled as a cayenne , is deliberate a cayenne type due to its heating system and pattern . Its stunning imperial peppers ripen to red , offering a heat stage of 30,000–50,000 SHU . The flavor is less robust than other cayennes , but its ornamental value is unmatched , making it a favorite for ornamental gardens . Yields are humble , and ripening accept longer , but Buena Mulata shines in fresh salsas or as a garnish for visual panache . Grow it for looker and a mild cayenne kick .
10 . Dragon Cayenne
Dragon Cayenne , a cross between Thai and cayenne peppers , is a fiery variety with small , 7- to 10 - in common pepper that load down a poke at 50,000–70,000 SHU . Its high up - yielding plants get numerous tiny fruits , unadulterated for repeat bold live sauces like Frank ’s RedHot . The flavor is intensely juicy with a clue of fruitiness , ideal for drying into potent flakes or steep into oils . Dragon Cayenne is a must for spiciness lovers looking to push beyond standard cayenne heat while maintaining versatility .
11 . Sweet Cayenne
Sweet Cayenne is a milder take on the red pepper mob , with a heating system degree of 500–2,500 SHU . Its long , red peppers have an earthy , fresh flavor , make them perfect for salsas , stir - fries , or fresh feeding . This change is ideal for those who love cayenne ’s feel but opt minimal spice . Sweet Cayenne ’s big fruits are well-to-do to harvest and dry , and its plants are fat , offering ample pepper for culinary experimentation . utilise it to add deepness without overpowering passion .
12 . Red Ember Cayenne
Red Ember Cayenne is a popular salmagundi for its thick - surround , crunchy peppers , delivering a moderate heat of 30,000–50,000 SHU . Its 4- to 5 - inch fruits are ideal for fresh feeding , broiling , or dry out into flakes . The look is balance , with a peppery insect bite and elusive sweetness , earn it various for raging sauce , spice blend , or salsas . Red Ember plants are productive and adaptable , thriving in various climate . This variety is a with child choice for those try a reliable , all - purpose cayenne .
13 . Carolina Cayenne
Carolina Cayenne is a hotter cousin of the Classic Red , with a warmth level of 100,000–125,000 SHU , making it double as spicy as received cayenne pepper . Its 5 - column inch - long , purse pepper have thin skin and a bold , peppery look . Perfect for vivid hot sauces or dried chili powders , Carolina Cayenne is a favorite in Southern culinary art . Its plant are vigorous , bring on high yields in warm climate . habituate slenderly to add serious heat to dishes like gumbo or chili con carne .
14 . Arapaho ( Cheyenne )
Arapaho , formerly eff as Cheyenne , is a large red pepper diverseness with 8 - in fruits and a heat story of 30,000–50,000 SHU . Its wrinkled black pepper have medium - slurred walls and a sweet , slimly smoky flavor with a red Vanessa Bell Madagascar pepper undertone . Arapaho ’s summary 18 - inch plants are luxuriously - afford , making it idealistic for small-scale gardens . apply it in hot sauce , salsas , or fresh dishes for a balanced passion and rich flavor . Its ornamental appeal and productiveness make it a standout pick .
15 . Wildcat F1
Wildcat F1 is a innovative cayenne hybrid with extra - large , 6- to 8 - inch fruits weighing 2–3 apothecaries' ounce . Its mild hotness of 500–1,500 SHU and thick , overweight wall make it a multi - purpose pepper , perfect for impertinent feeding , grilling , or stuffing . The sapidity is smoky and sweet , with a peppery finish . Wildcat ’s compact plant are luxuriously - yielding and leisurely to harvest , earning it praise in garden trial . This variety is ideal for those search a milder cayenne with bold flavor .
16 . Cayenne Buist ’s Yellow
Cayenne Buist ’s Yellow is a historic variety from the nineteenth century , eff for its promising yellow capsicum pepper plant and moderate heat of 30,000–50,000 SHU . Its 4- to 6 - column inch fruits have a fruity , somewhat sourish flavor , gain them excellent for pickling , salsas , or dried pulverisation . This cultivar ’s vibrant colouration lend visual appeal , and its plant are fertile in warm clime . Buist ’s Yellow is a great pick for cook looking to experiment with colorful , flavorful cayennes in their stunner .
