Description
Chilli Name: YELLOW BRAIN STRAIN
Chilli Species: Chinense
Chilli Origin: USA
Chilli Heat: Superhot
7 Pot Brain Strain Yellow Chilli — A Superhot with Twisted Looks and Citrus Fire
The Yellow Brain Strain is a fearsome member of the Capsicum chinense superhot family, originally developed from the 7 Pot lineage in Trinidad and later stabilised by chilli breeder David Cappiello (USA) in the early 2010s. This variety earned its name from its wild, brain-like surface and searing heat — wrapped in a brilliant yellow colour.
The pods are wrinkled, lobed, and contorted, often with deep folds and a bulbous shape that resembles a miniature brain. They ripen from green to vibrant yellow, and despite their sunny appearance, they pack an explosive 800,000 to over 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The flavour is unmistakable: sharp, citrusy, slightly floral, and with a slow-building, intense burn.
The plant is robust, branching, and very productive in warm climates, though it needs a long season and thrives best in full sun with consistent warmth. Like other chinense superhots, it prefers greenhouse or polytunnel growing in cooler regions.
Yellow Brain Strain is especially prized for hot sauce making, as its fruit-forward flavour complements sweet or acidic ingredients — while still delivering serious heat. It’s part of the legendary 7 Pot family, named because one pod can heat seven pots of stew.
In short, Yellow Brain Strain combines devastating heat, intense flavour, and twisted looks — a true favourite among extreme chilli growers and sauce makers alike.
