Description
Chilli Name: SWEET DATIL
Chilli Species: Chinense
Chilli Origin: USA
Chilli Heat: Sweet
Sweet Datil Chilli — A Mild Take on Florida’s Favourite Heirloom Pepper
The Sweet Datil is a rare, mild variant of the traditional Datil pepper, a Capsicum chinense cultivar most famously grown in and around St. Augustine, Florida. While the original Datil packs a serious punch — often reaching 100,000+ Scoville Heat Units (SHU) — the Sweet Datil has been bred or selected for low heat, offering all the fruity, tangy flavour of its hot cousin without the fire.
Pods are typically short, tapered, and slightly wrinkled, ripening to a bright golden orange when mature. The flavour is sweet, tropical, and slightly smoky, with a natural tang that makes it ideal for sauces, chutneys, relishes, and even fresh snacking. Heat is minimal — often below 1,000 SHU, sometimes almost zero — making it an accessible chilli for all palates.
The plant grows into a compact, bushy form, well-suited to containers or garden beds, and thrives in warm, humid climates, much like its Floridian origin. It remains a favourite for those who want the distinctive Datil flavour without the blistering heat.
In short, the Sweet Datil is a rare gem — a heritage pepper with all the rich flavour of the original, but tailored for those who love taste without the burn. Perfect for growers, cooks, and chilli fans who enjoy depth over intensity.
