Birds Eye Baby Chilli

The Birds Eye Baby is a compact variety of the iconic Birds Eye chilli, which is native to Mexico but has become a culinary staple across Southeast Asia and Africa. It belongs to the Capsicum annuum genus, though the broader "Bird's Eye" category also includes similar-looking peppers from the Capsicum frutescens species. The name is thought to derive from the pods' small, round shape and the role birds play in spreading their seeds. This chilli packs a significant punch, with a Scoville rating that consistently falls between 50,000 and 100,000 SHU, making it 10 to 20 times hotter than a typical jalapeño and comparable to a standard cayenne or Thai pepper.

This variety is prized for its compact, bushy growth habit, typically reaching a height of only 30 to 50 cm, which makes it an ideal ornamental plant for small pots, containers, or even as a "bonsai" chilli. Despite its small stature, the plant is exceptionally productive, yielding a large number of tiny, slender pods. The fruits grow upright, measure about 1.5 to 2.5 cm in length, and taper to a sharp point. As they mature, they ripen from green to a vibrant, dark red.

Unlike many ornamental peppers that prioritize appearance over taste, the Birds Eye Baby is celebrated for its excellent flavour. The pods have a crisp texture and a bright, fruity, and spicy taste that becomes slightly sweeter as they ripen from green to red. This clean, potent heat makes it a cornerstone of Southeast Asian cuisines, perfect for adding a fiery kick to stir-fries, soups, and curries. The chillies are highly versatile and can be used fresh, pickled, or dried to create flavourful chilli powders and flakes.

 All plants are grown on our farm in Norfolk, UK and are grown in an open pollinated area.