Description
Chilli Name: QUINTISHO
Chilli Species: Chinense
Chilli Origin: Brazil
Chilli Heat: Mild
Quintisho Chilli — A Rare Aromatic Variety from Brazil’s Capsicum chinense Heritage
Quintisho is a traditional Capsicum chinense variety from Brazil, most commonly associated with the Pimenta de Cheiro group — chillies valued for their intense aroma, fruity flavour, and low to medium heat. Though not widely known outside Brazil, Quintisho holds local cultural importance, particularly in Amazonian and Northeastern regions, where it is used in everyday cooking.
The pods are typically small, rounded, and lantern-shaped, ripening from green to a bright yellow or orange, depending on the strain. Heat levels are modest — usually around 1,000 to 5,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) — but the perfume-like aroma and tropical fruit notes are what make this chilli so cherished. It's used in fish stews, beans, sauces, and other classic regional dishes where flavour takes precedence over fire.
The plant is compact, highly productive, and thrives in warm, humid conditions, though it can be grown successfully in greenhouses or containers in cooler climates. It’s also a popular variety for small-scale growers and seed savers looking to preserve heirloom chinense types.
In short, Quintisho is a beautiful, fragrant Brazilian chilli with culinary depth and cultural roots — perfect for those who appreciate flavour-forward varieties with a gentle kick.