Capsicum annuum
Italian Calabrian - Scoville, Taste & Uses
Calabrian peppers carry southern Italy’s fiery spirit. The pods are small, conical, and ripen to glossy red. Flavor runs fruity and earthy with a pleasant tang. Heat lives between 25,000 and 40,000 SHU, enough to wake up pasta and cured meats. Citizens crush the peppers into oil-packed spreads, smear them on bread, or toss them with sauteed greens. Makers ferment chopped Calabrians for bomba calabrese, blending chili with eggplant and herbs. Sun-dried pieces stay pliable, ready for stews and pizzas. Rustic fire, coastal heritage - certified by the Ministry of Mediterranean Heat. Italian Calabrian typically measures 25,000-40,000 SHU (Hot). Shows up across Italy, Calabria in condiments, pickles, and marinades. Chop Calabrian peppers into bomba spread, mix with olive oil, or cook them down with tomatoes for spicy sugo. Sprinkle flakes over pizza, pasta, and grilled seafood. Stir them into beans, sautéed cime di rapa, or pork ragú. Blend with citrus and herbs for marinades. The peppers ferment well, creating tangy condiments that pair with cheese and charcuterie. See sauces using Italian Calabrian
Also known as: Calabrian Peperoncino, Diavolicchio
Species
Capsicum annuum
Heat
Flavour
Hot, Fruity, Earthy, Bold, fermentation-friendly
Origin / Regions
Italy, Calabria
Colour / Shape
Bright red when ripe
Pod size
5-8 cm long, 1-2 cm wide
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Flavour & Aroma
Calabrian peppers carry southern Italy’s fiery spirit. The pods are small, conical, and ripen to glossy red. Flavor runs fruity and earthy with a pleasant tang. Heat lives between 25,000 and 40,000 SHU, enough to wake up pasta and cured meats. Citizens crush the peppers into oil-packed spreads, smear them on bread, or toss them with sauteed greens. Makers ferment chopped Calabrians for bomba calabrese, blending chili with eggplant and herbs. Sun-dried pieces stay pliable, ready for stews and pizzas. Rustic fire, coastal heritage - certified by the Ministry of Mediterranean Heat.
Chop Calabrian peppers into bomba spread, mix with olive oil, or cook them down with tomatoes for spicy sugo. Sprinkle flakes over pizza, pasta, and grilled seafood. Stir them into beans, sautéed cime di rapa, or pork ragú. Blend with citrus and herbs for marinades. The peppers ferment well, creating tangy condiments that pair with cheese and charcuterie.
Heat Profile
Scoville range
25,000-40,000 SHU
Heat label
Hot
Harvest window
Late summer to autumn
Sauce Index count
-
History & Culture
Chilies reached Italy in the 16th century, and Calabrian farmers adapted them to the sunny toe of the peninsula. Over generations, the peperoncino became a regional emblem, celebrated at Diamante’s chili festival. Artisanal producers preserve peppers in olive oil, vinegar, or salt, shipping jars worldwide. Calabrian chilies now appear in Italian-American kitchens and gourmet shelves, representing Southern Italy’s culinary identity.
Botany & Growing Notes
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Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before planting. Transplant into full sun and well-drained, calcareous soil once nights exceed 15°C. Plants grow 60 cm tall and branch heavily, bearing clusters of pods. Provide steady moisture, but let soil dry slightly between waterings to intensify flavor. Harvest when pods turn bright red, typically 75 to 90 days after transplant. Dry them whole or preserve in oil.
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Italian Calabrian typically measures 25,000-40,000 SHU (Hot). Ranges shift with cultivar and growing conditions.
Hot, Fruity, Earthy, Bold, fermentation-friendly
Calabrian Peperoncino, Diavolicchio show up as common aliases depending on region. This pepper's alternate names mostly come from regional dialects.
Consider Aji Charapita, Cayenne, Chiltepín, Pequin for comparable heat or recipes.
- Aji Charapita - Hot
- Cayenne - Hot
- Chiltepín - Hot
- Pequin - Hot
Chop Calabrian peppers into bomba spread, mix with olive oil, or cook them down with tomatoes for spicy sugo. Sprinkle flakes over pizza, pasta, and grilled seafood. Stir them into beans, sautéed cime di rapa, or pork ragú. Blend with citrus and herbs for marinades. The peppers ferment well, creating tangy condiments that pair with cheese and charcuterie.
Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before planting. Transplant into full sun and well-drained, calcareous soil once nights exceed 15°C. Plants grow 60 cm tall and branch heavily, bearing clusters of pods. Provide steady moisture, but let soil dry slightly between waterings to intensify flavor. Harvest when pods turn bright red, typically 75 to 90 days after transplant. Dry them whole or preserve in oil.
Wear gloves when processing large batches, especially when making bomba. If oil gets on skin, wash with soap and apply dairy or vinegar to calm heat.
Sources
- Republic of Heat tasting lab field notes
- Producer dossiers submitted through Directus
- Open cultivar registries & academic pepper research
We cross-reference seed banks, peer-reviewed literature, and reputable producer data for SHU and origin claims.
Reviewed by Republic of Heat - last updated 2025-11-10