Fatalii Chile Peppers
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Fatalii chile peppers are small and slender pods, averaging 6 to 8 centimeters in length and 1 to 3 centimeters in diameter, and have a curved or straight, conical shape that tapers to a distinct point on the non-stem end. The skin is deeply creased and folded with a semi-wrinkled appearance and is waxy, ripening from green to bright yellow when mature. Underneath the surface, the flesh is thin, crisp, and yellow, encasing a central cavity filled with small membranes and a few, round and flat, cream-colored seeds. Fatalii chile peppers have an earthy and bright, citrus-forward flavor with strong notes of lemon and lime. In addition to the fruity taste, the pepper also contains an intense heat that begins at the back of the throat and travels into the mouth when reaching its peak heat.
Seasons/Availability
Fatalii chile peppers are available in the summer through early fall.
Current Facts
Fatalii chile peppers, botanically classified as Capsicum chinense, are an African heirloom variety that belongs to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Also spelled Fatalli, Fatalii chile peppers are an extremely hot variety ranging 125,000 to 325,000 SHU on the Scoville scale. There are multiple variations of the Fatalii chile pepper found in hues of yellow, white, and red, with yellow being the most prevalent in global markets. Fatalii chile peppers can be used in fresh applications, but due to their extreme heat, they are more commonly processed into hot sauces or dried and ground into a spice for commercial sale.
Nutritional Value
Fatalii chile peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help protect the immune system. The peppers also contain a very high amount of the chemical compound known as capsaicin, which triggers pain receptors in our body to feel the sensation of burning. Capsaicin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and causes the body to release endorphins to counteract the perceived pain.
Applications
Fatalii chile peppers are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as roasting, boiling, or stir-frying. When raw, the peppers can be blended into marinades, minced into dips, or chopped into salsas. The peppers can also be cooked with vegetables and meats, chopped and tossed into stews, soups, and curries, combined with fruit to make pepper jelly and jam, or cooked down and pureed to make liquid hot sauce. Fatalii chile pepper hot sauce is a popular condiment that can add a fruity and very hot spice to any dish. Fatalii chile peppers are also commonly dried and ground into a powder. Once dried, it can be used to add heat to marinades, dressings, barbeque sauces, salsa, and chutney. Fatalii chile peppers pair well with avocado, lime, lemon, oranges, mango, papaya, pineapple, tomato, onion, barbeque, seafood, grilled meats, tequila, mescal, and beer. The fresh peppers will keep 1-2 weeks when loosely stored whole and unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In the United States, hot chile pepper varieties have become a popular ingredient in the craft beer industry. Infusing light and dark beers with chile peppers such as the Fatalii, habanero, moruga scorpion, and aji amarillo, the peppers add a fruity flavor and intense heat to the beverage to deepen the complexity of the beer. The peppers are commonly deseeded, sliced, and heated during the beer-making process in order to break the pepper down and release optimum spice and flavors. Craft beers infused with unusual ingredients such as peppers have increased in popularity in the past decade and are diversifying the beverage experience. The unique spicy beers can be enjoyed on their own or can be consumed with food to enhance flavors.
Geography/History
Fatalii chile peppers are native to central and southern Africa and were created from peppers originally introduced to Africa from Central and South America in the 15th or 16th century. Some experts believe that Fatalii chile peppers may be an early relative of the naga or bhut jolokia pepper, which is another variety well known for its extreme heat level. The peppers are also believed to be a close relative of the habanero, sharing a similar shape, flavor, and aroma. Today Fatalii chile peppers can be found through online seed catalogs for home garden use or through specialty growers in the United States, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Fatalii Chile Peppers. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Chili Pepper Madness |
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Pineapple-Mango-Fatalii Hot Sauce |
| The Hot Sauce Addiction |
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Fatalii Ice Cream |
| Hot Lollies |
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Homemade Bajan Style Pepper Sauce |
| The Hot Sauce Addiction |
|
Fatalii Hot Sauce |
