Sweet Chocolate Pepper

Name: Sweet Chocolate Pepper
Brand: SESE
SKU: 06-3-1-004
Price: 4.75 USD
Availability: InStock

$4.75

Capsicum annuum

Seeds per pack ~ 25

Germination: 88% January 2024

Packed for 2025

A beautiful and delicious pepper that ripens to a deep chocolate-colored surface with brick-red flesh beneath the skin. Sweet chocolate pepper, also known as "chocolate bell pepper," refers to a variety of bell pepper that has a rich, chocolate-brown color when fully ripe. Unlike their name might suggest, these peppers do not taste like chocolate; rather, the name comes from their unique color. Sweet chocolate peppers are known for their sweet flavor, which is slightly richer and perhaps a bit more earthy compared to the more common red, yellow, or green bell peppers.

Linguistic, ecological, archaeological and genetic evidence show that the domesticated chili pepper, Capsicum annuum, originated in central-east Mexico more than 6,500 years ago. These peppers eventually evolved in northern South America. Like other peppers, the species was spread by birds before it attracted human attention. Birds lack the sense receptors for capsaicinoids and are thus unaffected by a pepper's spiciness; the seeds pass unharmed through birds' digestive systems and are excreted in new places.

These peppers are medium-sized and have the same shape as typical bell peppers, with a blocky form, three to four lobes, and thick, crisp flesh. They are excellent for adding a splash of unusual color to salads and dishes, and their sweet taste makes them ideal for both raw and cooked preparations, such as stuffing, grilling, or sautéing. Like other bell peppers, sweet chocolate peppers are also nutritious, offering a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber.

DAYS TO MATURITY: 85-90 days SCOVILLE UNTS: 0 (Zero) P

PLANT DESCRIPTION: (Capsicum annuum) The Sweet Chocolate pepper, scientifically known as Capsicum annuum, is a distinctive and flavorful variety within the pepper family. This pepper gets its name from its rich, deep brown color, resembling dark chocolate. The peppers typically grow to about four to six inches in length and have a smooth, glossy skin. Despite its chocolatey appearance, this pepper is sweet, making it a delightful addition to various culinary creations.

The Sweet Chocolate pepper is often used in salads, stir-fries, and as a colorful and sweet component in stuffed pepper dishes. With its appealing aesthetic and sweet taste, the Sweet Chocolate pepper brings a unique and delicious element to both home gardens and culinary endeavors, offering a flavorful twist to traditional pepper varieties. HISTORY: Originating in Central and South America, peppers were introduced to Europe through the Columbian Exchange, becoming integral to global cuisine. The Sweet Chocolate pepper, a specific cultivar within the Capsicum annuum species, has likely undergone selective breeding to develop its unique traits, including its rich, dark brown color and sweet flavor.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Sweet Chocolate Peppers are a good source of vitamin C, known for their immune-boosting properties and antioxidant benefits. They also contain small amounts of vitamins A and K, contributing to vision health and bone metabolism.

FOOD PREP: These peppers lend themselves well to both savory and sweet dishes, offering a unique flavor profile. Sliced or diced, Sweet Chocolate peppers are fantastic in salads, adding a burst of color and a mild, sweet crunch. They can be sautéed or roasted as a flavorful accompaniment to grilled meats or tossed into stir-fries. In the realm of stuffed peppers, the Sweet Chocolate variety brings a distinctive color and a pleasant sweetness to the mix. Their mild sweetness also makes them an excellent choice for pickling or preserving.

GROWING TIPS: Annual. Fill a seed tray or individual pots with a well-draining seed starting mix, ensuring it is loose and free of clumps. Moisten the mix thoroughly before planting to promote proper seed-to-soil contact. Plant the seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in the soil, spacing them 2 inches apart. Gently press the soil over the seeds to secure them in place. Cover the tray or pots with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to create a greenhouse-like environment, aiding in moisture retention and warmth. Place the tray or pots in a warm location with indirect sunlight, maintaining a consistent temperature of around 75-80°F. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the germination period, which typically takes around 7-14 days. Once the seedlings reach a height of 2 inches, transplant them into larger containers or directly into the garden, ensuring they are spaced adequately. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them permanently.

PEPPERS GROWING GUIDE