This chile belongs to the Capsicum Chinense family of peppers, of South American origin. In Mexico it is planted exclusively in the Yucatan Peninsula, where it was probably introduced from Cuba, which might explain its popular name "Habanero". The Habanero is one of the world's hottest chile. Its heat level is 10. For the uninitiated even a tiny piece of Habanero would cause intense and prolonged oral suffering. Underneath the heat is a delicate plum-tomato apple-like flavour. The riper red ones have a sweetness that gives them a mouthwatering appeal. Grown in Mexico and the Caribbean. It has an irregular spheroid shape, with a small point, and is around 5 cm long by 3.25-4.5 cm wide. It is available in green, yellow, scarlet and deep red. It has a number of close relatives such as Scotch Bonnet and Rocoto. It is used mainly raw because it loses subtlety, but not heat, when cooked. Seed catalogues list from 75 to 125 days to harvest. This is in addition to 50 to 80 days of indoor growth and up to 30 days for germination. Slow to germinate, must be grown in warm, moist conditions. The Habanero when ripe or dried and powdered has a unique apricot scent. 300,000+ SHU.