VarietiesC. chinenseSuperhotChocolate Habanero
SuperhotC. chinenseCaribbean

Chocolate Habanero

Black Habanero · Congo Black · Chocolate Hab

577,000Scoville Heat Units

Heat context

Carolina Reaper
Ghost Pepper
Habanero
Chocolate Ha…
Botanical data
Heat (SHU)577,000
SpeciesC. chinense
OriginCaribbean
Days to mature90
Plant height60–120 cm
Wall thicknessThin
Ripe colourchocolate brown
YieldHeavy
Growth habitBush
Germination7-21
FoliageGreen
Unripe colourgreen

About this variety

The Chocolate Habanero is a striking cultivar of Capsicum chinense prized for its rich, smoky flavor and intense heat. Its dark chocolate-brown pods develop from green through shades of brown, reaching full maturity with a wrinkled, lantern-like appearance. This variety takes longer to mature than standard orange habaneros but rewards growers with complex flavor notes that combine fruity habanero characteristics with earthy, smoky undertones.

Flavour profile

smokyfruityearthycomplexslightly sweet
Culinary scores
Sauce
9/10
Drying
8/10
Pickling
6/10

Culinary uses

Excellent for hot sauces, salsas, and Caribbean jerk marinades. Use sparingly in cooking—small amounts add significant heat and depth. Popular for making chocolate-colored hot sauces and pairs well with tropical fruits in chutneys. Can be dried and ground into powder for seasoning blends.

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Quick reference

Heat577,000 SHU
SpeciesC. chinense
OriginCaribbean
Days to ripe90
Ripe colourchocolate brown
Best forSauce, Drying
Data confidence: 5/5. Sourced from community submissions and verified references. Suggest a correction