VarietiesC. annuumSuperhotBirds Eye Chilli
SuperhotC. annuumMozambique

Birds Eye Chilli

Piri Piri · African Devil · Thai Bird's Eye

100,000Scoville Heat Units

Heat context

Carolina Reaper
Ghost Pepper
Habanero
Birds Eye Ch…
Botanical data
Heat (SHU)100,000
SpeciesC. annuum
OriginMozambique
Days to mature85
Plant height45–90 cm
Wall thicknessThin
Ripe colourdeep red
YieldHeavy
Growth habitBush
Germination7-14
FoliageGreen
Unripe colourbright green

About this variety

Bird's Eye chillies are small, fiery peppers widely cultivated across Africa and Asia, producing abundant upward-pointing pods that ripen from bright green to vibrant red. Known for their intense heat and distinctive fruity, slightly apricot-like flavor, these compact bushes are prolific producers throughout the growing season. The name derives from their resemblance to bird droppings, which helped spread wild varieties through bird dispersal.

Flavour profile

fruityapricot notessharp heatclean finish
Culinary scores
Sauce
9/10
Drying
9/10
Pickling
7/10

Culinary uses

Essential in African piri piri sauces, Southeast Asian stir-fries, Thai curries, and hot sauces. Often used fresh, dried, or in oil infusions. Popular for making chili flakes and adding sharp heat to marinades, sambals, and condiments.

You might also like

Quick reference

Heat100,000 SHU
SpeciesC. annuum
OriginMozambique
Days to ripe85
Ripe colourdeep red
Best forSauce, Drying, Pickling
Data confidence: 4/5. Sourced from community submissions and verified references. Suggest a correction