Scarlet Lantern

Species: Capsicum chinense | Origin: Peru | Pungency: Hot

Scarlet Lantern (ARS/GRIN number PI 315008) is an attractive and rare variety from Peru. The plants have a compact growth habit and produce excellent yields of glossy, lantern-shaped chillies which start creamy yellow and ripen through several shades of orange and then to bright red. The fruit shape is sometimes irregular, and when exposed to strong sun immature fruits will normally develop a purple anthocyanin cover. Scarlet Lantern chillies have a good flavour and are used in Peruvian cuisine in much the same way as some of the other well known Capsicum chinense varieties of Peruvian origin, namely Aji Limo, Aji Mochero and Aji Arnaucho.

Although it belongs to the Capsicum chinense species, the aroma and flavour is not like that of Habanero and Scotch Bonnet. Fully mature fruits have a slight sweetness and fruitiness, and although they contain a respectable amount of heat they are not as hot as Habanero or Scotch Bonnet and the heat is fairly short-lived. Scarlet Lantern is a similar variety to Aji Arnaucho, except the chillies have a slightly different shape and are hotter. As with its less fiery sister Aji Arnaucho, Scarlet Lantern has great ornamental value when the fruit starts ripening, and colours yellow, purple, orange and red are normally visible at the same time, making this Peruvian beauty a real focal point in any kitchen, conservatory or greenhouse!

Page published on: 28th August 2023