Black Pearl Chilli

The Black Pearl is a stunning ornamental pepper developed in the United States by scientists at the Agricultural Research Service. A cultivar of the Capsicum annuum species, it was created as a visually striking plant and won the prestigious All-America Selections award in 2006 for its beauty. Though often grown for its looks, the Black Pearl is edible and packs a surprising punch, with a heat level of 10,000 to 30,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This places it firmly in the medium-hot category, comparable to a Serrano pepper and up to 12 times hotter than a jalapeño.

The plant is a showstopper, prized for its dramatic, deep purple to near-black foliage that intensifies in full sun. It has a compact, bushy habit, typically growing to a height of 30-45 cm, making it ideal for container gardening. The plant produces beautiful purple flowers which give way to its namesake fruits: small, round pods that look like glossy black pearls. These tiny peppers grow in clusters and undergo a beautiful transformation, starting a deep black and finally ripening to a rich, crimson red.

Unlike many ornamental peppers that are bred for appearance over taste, the Black Pearl has a pleasant and useful flavour profile. The taste is often described as having a light, citrusy sweetness, similar to a bell pepper, which is followed by a clean, slow-building heat. This combination of beauty, heat, and flavour makes it a versatile ingredient. The small pods can be used to add a pop of colour and a spicy kick to dishes, and they are excellent for drying and grinding into a flavourful powder or flakes to be used as a seasoning.

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