From fiery Yellow Moruga Scorpions with their devilish sting to the playful Shishitos that kept me guessing, each one has earned its place for flavour, character, or sheer productivity. There are the sweet surprises of the Biquinho twins, the stunning Cheiro Roxa, and a jelly so good it was dynamite (looking at you, Orange Habanero).

As the year winds down, it’s hard not to think back on the quiet joy of growing chillies—the satisfaction of nurturing thriving plants, the thrill of harvesting those vibrant pods, and the way they transform simple meals into something extraordinary.

There’s something grounding and endlessly rewarding about the process, whether it’s in the garden or the kitchen. Here’s to another year of discovery, flavour, and the little sparks of joy that growing chillies brings.

Click to select and turn the pages in the album.