Chilli peppers have been grown in Sweden since the 18th century. Kerstin Rosengren has been specialising in cultivating this exotic fruit for twelve years. "I saw a photo of the Black Scorpion Tongue (Capsicum Annuum) and thought - I want to grow this", she says.
Kerstin began her love affair with chillies by growing them in a few pots. She then expanded. At first, she was looking for the pretty Lila pepper. She then discovered the enormous diversity of varieties. "I now cultivate more than 300 kinds. There are 500-600 stable varieties and 20.000 to 30.000 kinds of hybrids", says Kerstin.
She shares her knowledge in a book - Chili, 222 sorter att odla och äta (Chillies, 222 varieties to grow and eat, published in Swedish by Bonnier Fakta – ed.) "In the past, there was mainly a demand for the strongest varieties. These include the Carolina Reaper. Now, however, there is a wider interest from an extensive taste pallet", says Kerstin. She has gone to visit the Carolina Reaper's grower, Ed Currie, in the USA several times. He is trying to cultivate an even stronger variety. He hopes this can be used to treat cancer.
Five important kinds
- The Spanish Capsicum Annuum pepper, with varieties like Jalapeño, Cayenne, Padron, Poblano, and the regular chilli.
- Capsicum Baccatum or Aji.
- Capsicum Chinese, with the Habanero, some Aji's, the British Dorset Naga, and the current hottest chilli pepper, the Carolina Reaper.
- Capsicum Frutescens, with the Tabasco pepper and Piri Piri.
- Capsicum Pubescens or Rocoto, the least common sort.
Source: sverigesradio.se