Cyklon Chilli

The Cyklon chilli is a heirloom variety from Poland, where it is prized for its reliability and culinary versatility. The name, which translates to "Cyclone," aptly describes the plant's vigorous and highly productive nature. Belonging to the Capsicum annuum species, the same family as more common peppers like the bell pepper and cayenne, the Cyklon offers a very approachable level of spice. Its heat is considered mild, typically measuring between 700 and 1,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This places it comfortably on the lower end of the heat scale, providing a gentle warmth rather than an intense burn, making it accessible to a wide range of palates.

The plant itself is relatively compact and sturdy, usually reaching a manageable height of around 60-70 cm, which makes it an excellent choice for gardeners with limited space or those who prefer growing in containers. It demonstrates a bushy growth habit and is known for being an early-maturing variety, a characteristic that makes it particularly well-suited to the shorter growing seasons found in cooler climates like the United Kingdom. The pods are cone-shaped, growing to about 8-10 cm long, with smooth skin that transitions from a deep green to a vibrant, rich red upon full maturity. They begin by growing upright on the plant before drooping downwards as they ripen and increase in weight.

In terms of flavour, the Cyklon pepper is noted for its classic, sweet red pepper taste, which is perfectly balanced by its mild spiciness. The flavour is the star, with the heat serving as a pleasant background note. This quality makes it exceptionally versatile in the kitchen. In its native Poland, the Cyklon is the go-to pepper for creating homemade paprika; its thin walls allow it to dry quickly and easily, after which it can be ground into a flavourful, sweet, and colourful powder for seasoning traditional dishes like goulash and stews. Freshly picked, the pods are delicious when fried, roasted, stuffed, or chopped into salads and salsas for a hint of warmth and robust pepper flavour.

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