Peppers 101

Peppers a member of the Solanaceae family, along with tomatoes, potatoes, tomatillos and eggplant. Peppers originated in Central and South America, and quickly became popular throughout Europe after the discovery of the New World. At August Creek Farm, we grow both hot and sweet peppers.

Sweet Peppers

Type: Bell Pepper
Varieties Grown: Bull Nose Bell (Green, Heirloom), King of the North (Red), Golden California Wonder (Yellow)

Type: Sweet
Variety: Golden Treasure, Heirloom
Colors: Green to Yellow
Size: Up to 8 inches long

Type: Sweet Paprika Pepper
Variety: Feher Ozon
Colors: White, Yellow, Orange, Red
Size: 5 inches

Type: Snack Pepper
Variety: Red Picnic Pepper
Colors: Green to Red
Size: 3-5 inches (slightly larger than a jalapeno)

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Hot Peppers

The heat in peppers is produced by the capsaicin, and heat is measured by Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The majority of the heat resides in the seeds, so avoid adding seeds to your dishes if you want to reduce the heat. If you bite into more heat than you can handle, rinse your food down with some milk or alcohol, like a beer. Water won't save you.

Type: Chili Pepper
Variety: Ancho poblano
SHU: 1,000 - 3,500
Colors: Green
Size: up to 4 inches

Type: Wax
Variety: Hungarian Hot Wax
SHU: 5,000 - 10,000
Colors: Yellow, Orange, Red
Size: 1.5 to 5 inches

Type: Jalapeno
Variety: Traveler Strain
SHU: 2,500 - 8,000
Colors: Green, Red
Size: up to 3 inches

Type: Cayenne
Variety: Joe's Long Cayenne
SHU: 30,000 - 50,000
Colors: Red when dry
Size: up to 12 inches