Pimenta da Cachorro or Dog Pepper is a rare and distinctive chili variety from Brazil. It’s valued both for its unique appearance and its complex flavor. Here’s a detailed description:
🌶 Origin: Brazil — particularly in regions where heirloom peppers are grown for local culinary use.
🌿 Plant:
Compact, bushy plants about 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall.
Dense foliage with good fruit production.
Performs well in warm, humid tropical or subtropical climates.
🍎 Pods:
Small to medium-sized, often around 2–4 cm long.
Shape varies from rounded to slightly elongated or wrinkled, sometimes resembling a tiny habanero.
Colors mature from green to bright red, orange, or sometimes a golden hue depending on strain.
Thin walls with juicy flesh.
🔥 Heat Level:
Mild to medium (estimated 10,000–30,000 Scoville Heat Units).
Typically less hot than a habanero, but hotter than a jalapeño.
Delivers a pleasant, warming heat that doesn’t linger excessively.
👅 Flavor Profile:
Fruity, slightly floral, with tropical and citrus notes.
Balanced sweetness and tang, making it excellent for seasoning sauces, seafood, and meats.
🍽 Culinary Uses:
Commonly used in Brazilian cooking for marinades, hot sauces, and pickling.
Great for fresh salsas, vinegar infusions, or flavoring oil.
| Type |
Peppers |
| Family |
Nightshade Family |
| Temperature Soil |
65-80F |
| Temperature Daytime |
70-90F |
| Temperature Evening |
60+F |
| Lighting |
Full Sun, 6-8 Hours/Day |
| Water |
Heavy, 6 Gallons/Day |
| Maturity |
Moderate, 65-85 Days Harvest |
| PH Neutral |
5.5-7.0 |
| Zones |
4A-11B |
| Plant Placement |
6 Plants, 3 Row |