MediumC. annuumUnited States
Fresno chile
Fresno chili pepper · Fresno pepper
10,000Scoville Heat Units
Heat context
Carolina Reaper
Ghost Pepper
Habanero
Fresno chile
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Botanical data
Heat (SHU)10,000
SpeciesC. annuum
OriginUnited States
Days to mature70
Plant height60–90 cm
Wall thicknessThin
Ripe colourred
YieldHeavy
Growth habitBush
Germination7-14
FoliageGreen
Unripe colourbright green
About this variety
The Fresno chile was developed in 1952 by Clarence Brown Hamlin in Fresno, California. Often confused with red jalapeños, Fresnos have thinner walls and a slightly fruitier flavor, maturing from bright green to orange and finally red. This versatile medium-heat pepper has become a staple in California cuisine and is particularly valued for salsas and hot sauces.
Flavour profile
fruityslightly smokycrispbright
Culinary scores
Sauce
8/10
Drying
4/10
Pickling
9/10
Culinary uses
Excellent for fresh salsas, ceviche, hot sauces, and pickling. Often used as a substitute for jalapeños or serranos in recipes. Popular in rice dishes, soups, and as a fresh garnish. Red-ripe Fresnos are particularly prized for their sweetness and color in sauces.
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Quick reference
Heat10,000 SHU
SpeciesC. annuum
OriginUnited States
Days to ripe70
Ripe colourred
Best forSauce, Pickling, Excellent for fresh salsas
Data confidence: 4/5. Sourced from community submissions and verified references. Suggest a correction