Pepper (Hot) - Habanero, Red Caribbean (seeds)
Let’s explore the fascinating world of Caribbean Red Habanero peppers. These fiery chilies are known for their intense heat and distinctive flavor:
Heat Level
Caribbean Red Habaneros bring serious tropical thunder to the table. They have a Scoville heat range from 300,000 to 445,000 Scoville heat units (SHU), making them super-hot peppers. At their mildest, Caribbean reds are nearly as hot as the hottest possible common orange habanero (which is still extremely spicy). Compared to our jalapeño reference point, they are 35 to 178 times hotter than a jalapeño.
Appearance
These habaneros mature from green to a beautiful bright red shade. They have the same lantern-like shape as other habaneros, growing to be one to two inches long.
Flavor Profile
If you love the citrusy, slightly smoky, and sweet flavor of common orange habaneros, you’ll appreciate Caribbean Red Habaneros as well. They share a similar flavor profile, but with an extra kick of spiciness.
Culinary Uses
Due to their extreme heat, everyday cooking isn’t the typical use case for Caribbean reds. However, they’re perfect for creating sweet, citrusy, and smoky salsas and hot sauces. Tropical salsas and sauces benefit from their intense flavor. If you’re into extreme eats, you can substitute Caribbean reds for common orange habaneros in most dishes, but be prepared for the heat! Remember to use gloves and kitchen glasses when handling any habanero, regardless of color, to avoid chili burn.
In summary, Caribbean Red Habaneros are a fiery delight for those who crave intense spiciness in their culinary creations!