Description
Chilli Name: UVILLA GRANDE (PI 281393)
Chilli Species: Baccatum
Chilli Origin: Peru
Chilli Heat: Mild
Uvilla Grande (PI 281393) Chilli — A Rare Baccatum Landrace from the Mountains of Peru
Uvilla Grande, recorded under the USDA accession number PI 281393, is a traditional chilli variety from Peru, belonging to the species Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum. Collected in the Cajamarca region of northern Peru, this landrace represents part of the rich, living heritage of Andean chilli cultivation, where baccatum varieties have been grown for centuries for their flavour, aroma, and culinary versatility.
The plant grows tall and spreading, typical of baccatum types, with a heavy yield of long, pendant fruits. The pods are larger than average for wild or semi-domesticated baccatum, which is reflected in the name “Grande.” They ripen from green to a vibrant red, with a fruity, slightly floral flavour and a medium heat level — usually around 10,000 to 20,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The name "Uvilla" may refer to the local name for small fruit or resemble the word for "little grape" or "berry" in regional dialects, though these pods are generally longer and more tapered.
Flowers show the typical baccatum trait of white petals with greenish-yellow spots, and the plant performs well in both warm and high-altitude conditions, making it a good candidate for growers in temperate climates with long seasons.
PI 281393 is not a commercial hybrid but a true landrace — a variety adapted to local conditions through generations of traditional cultivation. Its genetic diversity, strong performance, and culinary appeal make it valuable both for direct use and as breeding material.
