Pepper of the Year:
'Habanada'

If you're a gardener looking to grow something new and exciting this year, Habanada peppers should definitely be on your list. These small, flavorful peppers are a unique variety that's gaining popularity among foodies and chefs alike. In this blog post, we'll explore what makes Habanada peppers so special, how to grow them, and some delicious recipes to try.

What are Habanada Peppers?

Habanada peppers are a type of pepper that looks very similar to a habanero pepper, but without the intense heat. In fact, Habanada peppers are completely heatless, with a Scoville rating of 0. That's right, you read that correctly: these peppers have all the flavor of a habanero, but none of the heat. They were developed by the vegetable breeder Michael Mazourek at Cornell University, who wanted to create a habanero pepper that people could enjoy without the painful burn.

Habanada peppers are small and orange, about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. They have a thin, slightly wrinkled skin and a sweet, fruity flavor with a subtle floral aroma. They are often described as having notes of apricot, melon, and tropical fruit, with a hint of citrus. Some people also detect a subtle smokiness, which adds to their complexity.

Why are Habanada Peppers So Delicious?

There are a few reasons why Habanada peppers are so delicious. First of all, they have a complex flavor profile that's hard to describe but easy to enjoy. The combination of sweetness, fruitiness, and floral notes makes them incredibly versatile and a great addition to many dishes. They're also quite mild, so even people who don't usually enjoy spicy food can enjoy them.

Secondly, Habanada peppers are incredibly fresh and flavorful when grown in a garden. Store-bought peppers can sometimes lose their flavor and freshness during transportation, but when you grow your own, you can harvest them at their peak ripeness and enjoy them right away. Plus, there's something special about growing your own food and being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Finally, Habanada peppers are a great addition to any garden because they're easy to grow and produce a lot of peppers. They're disease-resistant and don't require a lot of maintenance, so they're a great choice for beginner gardeners or anyone who wants a low-maintenance crop.

How to Grow Habanada Peppers

If you're convinced that Habanada peppers are worth trying, here's how to grow them in your own garden.

1) Start with good soil: Habanada peppers need well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. They also require good nutrition, so amend your soil with compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting.

2) Choose a sunny spot: Habanada peppers need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, so choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sun.

3) Plant your seeds: You can start your seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your last expected frost date, or you can sow them directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

4) Transplant your seedlings: Once your seedlings are about 3 inches tall, you can transplant them into your garden. Space them about 18 inches apart to give them plenty of room to grow.

5) Water and fertilize: Habanada peppers need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. They also benefit from regular fertilization, so feed them with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks.

6) Harvest your peppers: Habanada peppers will be ready to harvest about 70 to 80 days after planting, or when they turn a bright orange color. You can also harvest them when they're still green, but they won't be as sweet or flavorful. To harvest your peppers, simply twist them off the stem or use a pair of scissors to cut them off.

7) Store or use your peppers: Once you've harvested your Habanada peppers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for later use. They're great in a variety of dishes, from salsas and sauces to salads and stir-fries.

A Delicious Habanada Pepper Recipe

If you're looking for some inspiration for how to use your Habanada peppers, here are a few delicious recipes to try.

Habanada Pepper Pasta

Ingredients:
• 8 ounces pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 Habanada peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste


Directions:

1) Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

2) Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3) Add the Habanada peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, until softened.

4) Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.

5) Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

6) Serve the sauce over the cooked pasta.



Habanada peppers are a delicious and unique variety of pepper that's perfect for gardeners who want to try something new. They're easy to grow, versatile in the kitchen, and have a complex flavor profile that's sure to impress. Whether you try them in a salsa, jelly, or pasta dish, Habanada peppers are a must-try for any foodie or gardener.