FoodFood InformationPeppers/Chiles
Dark green to orange, orange-red, or red when fully ripe. Lantern shaped,and measuring about 2 inches long and 1 I/4 to 1 3/4 inches in diameter.The habanero (meaning "from Havana") is used extensively in theYucatan and is the hottest of any chile grown in Central America or theCaribbean, and indeed, the rest of the world. Users beware! It has beenestimated that the habanero is 30 to 50 times hotter than the jalapeno,and it can have an irritating effect in the mouth and on the fingers. Becareful when handling. In spite of its fierce, intense heat, it has a wonderful,distinctive flavor with tropical fruit tones that mix well with food containingtropical fruits or tomatoes. The ripe habanero is a little sweeter and hasa more developed fruitiness than the green habanero. Closely related tothe Scotch bonnet and the Jamaican hot chiles. Mainly used in salsas, chutneys,marinades for seafood, and pickled (en escabeche). It is becoming increasinglypopular in the United States as a bottled condiment sauce.