Description
Chilli Name: TASMANIAN HABANERO
Chilli Species: Chinense
Chilli Origin: Europe
Chilli Heat: Very Hot
Tasmanian Habanero Chilli — A Rare Purple-Tinged Beauty from the Chinense Family
The Tasmanian Habanero is a unique and visually striking cultivar of Capsicum chinense, known for its deep purple to dark red colouring, unusual for habanero types. Despite its name, it is not a native variety of Tasmania, but rather a modern selection or stabilised cross, likely developed by hobbyist breeders or small seed companies in Europe or the USA, with the name referring to its exotic appearance rather than its origin.
This variety produces compact, bushy plants that yield an abundance of wrinkled, lantern-shaped pods, which often begin as dark purple and ripen to a deep, blood red or purple-black tone depending on sun exposure. The pods are fiery, with heat levels in the range of 200,000–300,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), similar to a standard habanero but with slightly more earthy and smoky undertones beneath the typical fruity chinense aroma.
Its ornamental beauty makes it popular among growers who appreciate colour variation in their chilli collection, while its potent flavour lends itself well to hot sauces, salsas, and ferments with a dark, rich profile.
In short, the Tasmanian Habanero offers a bold twist on the habanero experience — same heat and aroma, but wrapped in a stunning, moody exterior that looks as intense as it tastes.
