Chilli of the Week - Havana Gold
Chilli of the Week - Havana Gold
Thar be treasure...
Havana Gold - the golden Aji
This week, I want to embark on a flavourful journey to south America via Cuba. So grab your taste buds and get ready to meet the Havana Gold chilli – a fiery little pepper with the Midas touch!
A classic baccatum chilli, Havana Gold is a real stunner of a chilli with lush green leaves and vibrant golden pods. A native of South America, particularly regions like Peru and Bolivia, the Havana Gold is a sun-lover that thrives in well-drained soil, making it a strong contender for spot in your greenhouse or on your super sunny patio.
What makes this a stand out chilli is its looks; the unripe chillies are a lovely light green, which then ripen into an electric orange.
And they ripen up early too, so you won't have to wait long to enjoy them. And as for yield? Let's just say you'll have plenty of chillies to go around!
One look at the chilli pods and it's immediately obvious that it’s got that characteristic aji vibe going on. Like most baccatums, the chilli plant itself is a bit of a spreader – large and in charge, but not too overbearing. The leaves are sparse and simple.
What makes this a stand out chilli is its looks; the unripe chillies are a lovely light green, which then ripen into an electric orange. And they ripen up early too, so you won't have to wait long to enjoy them. And as for yield? Let's just say you'll have plenty of chillies to go around!
And it's not all about looking good. It’s also a versatile chilli too. The Habanero Gold has thin flesh, perfect for slicing up and adding to your salsa (and just about anything you might add jalapeño to). The flavour is a real treat – rich, complex, and satisfying.
Like many of the baccatums, Havana Gold is known for its slightly fruity flavour, adding an extra layer of complexity to its spicy profile. When dried, it’s said they produce a brilliant gold-coloured chilli powder. I’m sure they’d also make for a brilliant coloured sauce too.
The Havana Gold chilli is really quite mild, with a humble Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) range of around 500 to 2,000. That puts it in the same league as a jalapeño –a bit hot, but certainly not melt-your-face-off hot.
So why the name? I’m not exactly sure… but it sounds good, evoking something of an imaginary Cuban market, surrounded by the sights and sounds of this vibrant country.
Whilst the Havana Gold chilli might conjure up visions of Cuba, its origins tell a slightly different story. This chilli isn't actually native to Cuba. Instead, it hails from South America, where it's been thriving for centuries.
Havana Gold.. a loverly deep orange
a beautiful crumple-pod baccatum
Havana Gold Chillies ripen green to orange
Makes for a lovely coloured sauce
So in truth, it's more of an evocation than an actual association. The golden-orange hue of the ripe chillies mirrors the vibrant colours often associated with Cuban culture and landscapes. Having said that, the Havana Gold chilli is also sometimes referred to as the ‘Peruvian Gold' chilli?
From its vibrant appearance to its versatile flavour, this pepper is a true culinary delight that adds colour to both your greenhouse and your cooking. So why not add a touch of gold to your garden with the Havana Gold chilli?
World of Chillies was set up by Sarah Hunt in 2011 to promote chilli growing and the enjoyment of everything hot and spicy.
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