Explore key facts about different chilli varieties used in horticulture, their features, and global significance. This quiz tests your understanding of popular and distinctive chilli types cultivated around the world.
Which chilli variety is also commonly known as 'Bird's Eye Chilli', famous for its small size and fiery heat, especially in Southeast Asian cuisine?
Explanation: Capsicum frutescens is widely known as Bird's Eye Chilli and is recognized for its intense heat and small, pointed fruits. Anaheim and Bell Pepper are milder varieties and lack the typical size and heat of Bird's Eye. Cherry Pepper is round and typically moderately spicy, not matching the profile.
The Jalapeño chilli originated primarily in which country and is popular for its moderate heat level?
Explanation: Jalapeños are native to Mexico and remain a significant component in Mexican cuisine due to their moderate heat and versatility. India and Thailand are known for other spicy chillies, while Spain is famous for milder varieties like the Padrón pepper.
Which variety is considered the mildest, commonly used for stuffing due to its minimal pungency?
Explanation: Bell Pepper has almost no heat, making it ideal for stuffing and salads. Serrano and Habanero are much hotter, while Tabasco is best known for its use in hot sauce and has considerable heat compared to bell peppers.
Which chilli variety is well-known for turning from green to deep red as it ripens and is often dried and smoked to make chipotle?
Explanation: Jalapeños are typically harvested green but turn red if allowed to ripen, and the red, smoked version is called chipotle. Poblano is also harvested green and later dried as ancho, but it is not smoked for chipotle. Scotch Bonnet and Peppadew have distinct flavors and uses.
What is a distinguishing feature of the Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper), a chilli variety cultivated in Northeast India?
Explanation: Bhut Jolokia is renowned for its extremely high Scoville heat units, once holding the record as the world's hottest chilli. It does not have a sweet flavor, is not exclusive to cold climates, and is typically red or orange when ripe, not purple.