Malagueta

Malagueta is a Capsicum frutescens variety native to Brazil, where it grows wild in the Amazon basin and has long been a staple of Brazilian cooking. The small, finger-shaped pods reach about 2 inches at maturity and ripen from green to red, with a bright, citrusy heat. It is the definitive pepper in molho de pimenta (Brazilian pepper sauce) and is also widely used pickled, in moqueca (seafood stew), and as a table condiment throughout Brazil and Portugal.

Days to maturity

80–100 days from transplant

Plant height

60–90 cm (2–3 ft)

Best use

Brazilian hot sauces, pickling, stews

Species

Capsicum frutescens

Origin

Brazil (Amazon region)