Ornamental peppers are visually stunning plants that produce a prolific harvest of brightly colored fruit, leading many gardeners to wonder about their use beyond decoration. These plants are varieties of Capsicum annuum, the same species as bell peppers and jalapeños, but they are selectively bred for compact size and vibrant fruit colors, which are displayed prominently above the foliage. The resulting plants are small, bushy specimens loaded with peppers in shades of purple, yellow, orange, and red. They often display multiple colors simultaneously as the fruit ripens. This beautiful harvest presents a common dilemma: whether to admire them strictly for their looks or explore their potential in the kitchen.
Edibility and Safety Considerations
Ornamental peppers are part of the Capsicum genus, meaning the fruit is not inherently poisonous like other decorative nightshades. However, consumption is generally not recommended due to their intense heat levels and poor flavor profile. While bred for looks, many ornamental varieties retain or amplify the capsaicin content, the compound responsible for the pepper’s heat.
The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating often ranges from 10,000 to over 50,000 SHU, significantly hotter than a typical jalapeño (2,500 to 8,000 SHU). The flavor is frequently described as bitter, grassy, or lacking the complexity of culinary peppers. While the fruit is edible, the leaves of the plant are considered toxic to humans and pets.
Handling these intensely hot peppers requires caution to prevent capsaicin from irritating the skin and mucous membranes. Wearing plastic or nitrile gloves is advised when cutting or processing them, and avoid touching your eyes or face until all capsaicin residues are washed away. If using these peppers in cooking, removing the inner white membrane (pith) and the seeds can significantly reduce the heat, as this is where the majority of the capsaicin is concentrated.
Processing Ornamental Peppers for the Kitchen
Preservation methods are often more practical than eating ornamental peppers fresh, allowing gardeners to harness their heat. The thin walls of many varieties make them ideal candidates for drying, which concentrates the capsaicin and preserves the color. Drying peppers in a food dehydrator at around 135°F until they become brittle is an efficient method.
Once dried, these peppers can be processed into vibrant chili flakes or ground into a potent powder for seasoning. Whole dried pods can be blended in a spice grinder, yielding a colorful and fiery ingredient for rubs, sauces, or stews. Infusion is another effective way to utilize the peppers, extracting the flavor and heat into a liquid medium.
The peppers can be submerged in olive oil or white vinegar to create a spicy condiment, though oil infusions should be refrigerated and used quickly for safety. Pickling the peppers in a brine of water, vinegar, and salt is a third method that preserves them while tempering some of the raw heat. This process creates a crunchy, spicy addition that can add color and heat to sandwiches, relishes, or salads.
Using Peppers for Visual Appeal
Ornamental peppers are primarily bred for their stunning visual qualities, and their most common use is enhancing the aesthetic of a garden or home. They function beautifully as colorful container accents, providing a burst of color in patio displays or as indoor houseplants. The plants are often compact and mounded, making them excellent choices for small-space gardening or as vibrant border plants.
The harvested fruit can be used in various decorative arrangements and crafts, extending beyond keeping the peppers on the plant. Taller varieties with longer stems are particularly suited for cut or dried floral displays. For long-lasting decor, the peppers can be air-dried, a process that preserves their shape and color for months.
To air-dry the peppers, they are typically harvested with their stems intact, then strung together on a heavy thread or attached to a wreath form. The strings or wreaths should be hung in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can cause the colors to fade quickly. This drying process results in decorative garlands or wreaths known as ristras, which provide a rustic, colorful accent for the home.