The red habanero is a fiery hot pepper with a sweet, fruity flavor, and a wrinkled, lantern-shaped appearance. While most are extremely pungent, less spicy cultivars are available.
Flavor and heat
Heat level: Red habaneros typically rank between 100,000 and 350,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), though some varieties like the 'Red Savina' can exceed 500,000 SHU. This makes them considerably hotter than the common orange habanero.
Heat characteristics: The intense and pungent heat tends to build slowly, offering a more complex and longer-lasting burn than orange habaneros.
Flavor profile: Beyond the extreme spice, red habaneros are known for their distinct fruity and sweet notes, often accompanied by citrusy or smoky undertones. The longer the pepper stays on the vine, the sweeter it will become.
Appearance:
Color: The pods ripen from green to a vibrant, glossy red when mature.
Shape: Red habaneros are small, averaging 5 to 7 centimeters in length, with a crinkled, lantern-like shape.