What are Mariachi peppers?
There’s a lot to love about the Mariachi pepper, a 2006 AAS winner (All America Selection). Delivering a beautiful color pattern, an eatable mild heat, and a
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Mariachi pepper fast facts
Scoville heat units (SHU) | 500 – 600 |
Median heat (SHU) | 550 |
Jalapeño reference point | 5 to 13 times milder |
Capsicum species | Annuum |
Origin | United States |
Use | Culinary |
Size | Up to 4 inches long, conical |
Flavor | Sweet |
How hot is the Mariachi pepper?
A typical Mariachi carries more of a warmth, a spicy tickle, than true heat. Rating 500 to 600 Scoville heat units, it’s more in line with a
That said, this is also a chili that’s susceptible to surprising upticks in heat when grown in more arid climates and dryer soil. Both conditions create hotter peppers as it stands, but the Mariachi has been known to increase in spiciness five-fold. In these conditions, it can hit a spiciness closer to a mild jalapeño pepper.
What does the Mariachi pepper taste like? Look like?
While the Mariachi is not an ornamental pepper, there’s still no denying this is one pretty chili. It’s conical, growing up to four inches long and two inches wide. It hangs, pendant-like, from the plant (and as Mariachi plants are very productive, there are many.)
In terms of taste, this is one hot pepper where the flavor matches its looks. It’s sweet, but not as fruity as some bolder peppers. It’s a more delicate, melon-like flavor. The sweetness works best in the mid-cycle of the fruit when the pepper is in its yellow to light rose color phase. But it’s still delicious in its mature red form.
How is it used?
One of the key culinary benefits of the Mariachi is its thicker walls. It’s a meaty pepper, like the
Beyond stuffing, this chili is excellent in fresh salsas and salads. Its mild heat makes it a great bell pepper substitute for those that are looking for a culinary twist to their everyday meals. Those meaty walls also make the Mariachi a good pepper for grilling.
Where can you buy the Mariachi pepper?
You won’t find these hybrid peppers at most stores. Look to pepper farms or farmers’ markets to find them fresh. Your best option is to grow these peppers yourself. Mariachi pepper seeds may be available at your local gardening center, or you can purchase them online (Amazon).
If you have a green thumb and you’re looking for a tasty everyday pepper to replace the bell or jalapeño, give the Mariachi pepper a serious look. It works in either case.
I grew these organically in Ft Worth TX. I spoiled the plant & absolutely love it. The peppers are super sweet & mine are so hot they’re insane. Super sweet,large & 10x hotter that a jalapeño. Best pepper I ever grew.