Charapita peppers are considered one of the most expensive spices in the world, with prices reaching hundreds of millions of VND. Despite being one of the most expensive peppers globally, this type of pepper is currently cultivated extensively in Vietnam. Let’s explore more about it!
1 What is Charapita Pepper?
Charapita pepper is native to Peru and grows wild. The pepper plant grows to about 40-55cm in height and bears fruit after 90 days. Charapita peppers are red or yellow, the size of a bean, but their spiciness level reaches up to 50,000 Scoville heat units. Many people liken the spiciness of this pepper to a “tongue-piercing” sensation. Hence, it is rarely consumed fresh and is often used in powdered form, added to various dishes.
Charapita Pepper
Currently, Charapita peppers are widely cultivated in Vietnam, particularly in provinces such as Lam Dong, Dak Nong, Ha Tinh, and Son La. Farmers who grow this type of pepper report that the plants yield fruit all year round, with each tree producing up to 4-5kg of peppers annually. With prices reaching millions of VND per kg, this crop provides a significant income for farmers.
2 How much does Charapita Pepper cost, and where can I buy it?
Charapita Pepper can cost up to millions of VND per kg
The price of Charapita peppers varies depending on the season and the form in which they are sold (fresh, dried, or frozen). Specifically:
- Fresh peppers cost approximately 5,000,000 VND/kg
- Pepper powder costs about 200,000 VND/5gr
3 The Flavor of Charapita Pepper
Charapita peppers have a very spicy flavor, similar to bird’s eye chili but significantly hotter. The peppers have a cluster of seeds in the middle and are firm and crunchy. Charapita peppers are commonly added to dishes such as soups and salads. They are a popular spice in many countries and an essential ingredient for some chefs’ recipes.
Besides its delicious flavor, Charapita pepper also offers health benefits
In addition to its unique flavor, Charapita pepper also boasts several health benefits, including:
- Pain relief, digestive support, and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of capsaicin.
- Each pepper contains 76.4 mg of vitamin C, which helps prevent aging and acts as an antioxidant.
- Charapita peppers also contain beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health and prevent age-related macular degeneration, along with other essential nutrients for the body.
This concludes our exploration of the world’s most expensive spice, which is now cultivated in Vietnam. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more interesting articles on our website!