
Species Name: Capsicum chinense Jacquin
Color: Yellow green to golden yellow
Average Size: 24" long, 3/4" diameter
Shape: Elongated, shallow wrinkles, pointed
Description: The wrinkled, golden little peppers look somewhat like fresh dates before the dates are harvested. Highly aromatic and pungent.
Scoville Heat Units: 100,000 - 250,000
Substitute if Not Available: Habanero, Scotch Bonnet
Other Names: Mindoran
Related Cultivars: None that we know of!
Most Commonly Grown In: St. Augustine, Florida
Interesting Facts: It is believed the datil was brought to the USA from the West Indies during the Colonial period (1565-1821) even though the traditional belief is that Minorcans fleeing Spain brought it with them. (This is impossible as there were no Capsicum chinense growing in the Mediterranean at that time.) However, the Minorcans gave it its name, "datil" meaning "date" in Catalan Spanish, after the date fruit which is native to Spain. Since introducing it to St. Augustine, Florida, the pepper has been mostly cultivated in that area.
Most Common Uses: Hot sauces, relishes, seasoning. It is used in the green state because the fully ripe fruit will not keep for more than 2-3 days.