Chili Pepper: “Hawaiian Chili”

Description

Item Details

Hawaiian chili pepper is a popular variety used in various “local” food preparations. Although the Hawaiian pepper’s small size may be deceiving, it packs quite a punch and are considerably hot. The pepper averages 1 inch in length

 

History of the Plant

The Hawaiian chili pepper is native to Central and South America and was introduced to Hawai’i in the 16th and 18th centuries by Spanish and Portuguese explorers. There are several varieties of chili peppers in this species.

 

Growing Media

GERMINATION & PROPAGATION: Hawaiian peppers are easy to start from seed, however, starters are readily available for a few dollars at most stores if you want to get a head start.

PLANTING: To plant the starters, simply dig an approximately 3″ by 3″ hole in a location that receives good sun exposure. Gently place the starter pepper in the hole and cover with dirt.

SUN AND WATER: Chili pepper plants require about four to eight hours of direct sunlight a day. Yields and pepper sizes will be larger in sunnier locations.

 

Care

CHOOSE PLANTING LOCATION: Prepare the area where your Hawaiian chili peppers will be planted. The site needs to receive at least six Prepare the area where your Hawaiian chili peppers. hours of daily sun.

WATER PLANTS CONSISTENTLY: Water your Hawaiian chili pepper well. Keep the soil moist but not wet for the first two weeks, when the i pepper establishes itself. Water the plant with an inch of water every week, including rainwater. Increase watering to 1 1/2 inches during hot, dry spells.

FERTILIZE HAWAIIAN CHILI PEPPERS: Fertilize your Hawaiian chili pepper with a low-nitrogen fertilizer within the first month after transplanting. Fertilize again when flowers appear and again every two weeks while the plant sets fruit. Stop fertilizing when the plant stops blooming.

PROTECT PLANTS IN HEAT: Protect your pepper plant during hot weather. Although they like warm weather, Hawaiian pepper plants can stop blooming and even drop fruit when the outdoor temperatures go above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep the plant as cool as possible, protect it with screening such as a bamboo screen to block out the majority of the sun.

 

Nutrients

NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Hawaiian chile peppers are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, which are antioxidants that can help boost the immune system, improve the skin, and rebuild collagen within the body. The peppers also contain a very high amount of the chemical compound is known as capsaicin, which triggers pain receptors in our body to feel the sensation of burning Capsaicin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and causes the body to release endorphins to counteract the perceived pain.

MEDICINAL: Like other members of the pepper family, Hawaiian chili peppers are high in vitamins C and A. The high amount of capsaicin in the Hawaiian chili peppers serves as a stimulant, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Capsaicin is also used as a pain reliever for those suffering from arthritis or migraines.