Named after a whimsical character from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” Mad Hatter pepper can arouse your curiosity about it.
Mad Hatter is a unique hybrid variety pepper and the winner of the All-American Selections Award in 2017 for its high yield and adaptability. Its shape resembles a bell or hat and turns from green to red when mature. The taste of the pepper is sweet and fruity with moderate heat of 500-1000 SHU around the seeds.
In this article, we’ll explore the Mad Hatter pepper and its characteristics and taste. We’ll also discuss how hot these peppers are and what they are used for.
What Is Mad Hatter Pepper?
Mad Hatter is a highly unique pepper from South America, belonging to the family of “Capsicum Baccatum” spices. This pepper is a hybrid variety created by a US seed company called Pan-American Seeds.
The company cross-reproduced Bishop’s Crown pepper from South America with a Baccatum species of Capsicum genus to produce “Mad Hatter pepper.” The main focus was to create a variety that could withstand North America’s diverse and extreme temperature conditions.
Mad Hatter Pepper won a 2017 All-American Selections Award because of the following reasons:
- Adaptability.
- Chili size.
- High yields of up to 100 pepper per growing season.
- Distinct taste.
What Are The Characteristics Of The Mad Hatter Pepper?
Mad Hatter pepper is widely known for its bell or Bishop’s hat shape, green to bright red color during the maturation stage and its 2-3 inches size.
Let’s explore these characteristics in detail to gain a deeper understanding of the traits of Mad Hatter peppers.
Color
The Mad Hatter chili usually has a vivid green color when unripe. However, as it matures, the color changes into red, adding visual appeal to any dish after cooking. It can also transform to orange or yellow during the maturation period.
Size
The plant of Mad Hatter capsicum is bushy and can reach up to 4-5 feet in height and 3 feet in width. But the pepper is generally small, usually around 2 -3 inches wide.
Shape
One of the defining features of the Mad Hatter chili is its unique shape which resembles a bell or Bishop’s hat and has three sides.
CAUTION: Be careful while cutting this pepper, as its tricky shape can hurt your fingers.
Texture
Besides its distinct shape, Mad Hatter capsicum has a crisp and crunchy texture, making it a delightful addition to various dishes.
The shape, size, and texture also make these peppers suitable for stuffing with cheese or other ingredients.
What Does The Mad Hatter Pepper Taste Like?
After the Mad Hatter pepper matures, it becomes sweeter with a fruity, citrus flavor and floral notes. The areas around the seeds taste mildly spicy, but the pepper’s sweetness often minimizes the heat.
How Hot Is The Mad Hatter Pepper?
On the Scoville scale, Mad Hatter pepper has heat ranging from 500 to 1000 Scoville Heat Units, so it is moderately hotter than a bell pepper but three to sixteen times milder than a jalapeno pepper.
The spiciness of the Mad Hatter capsicum is noticeable, but as mentioned earlier, the pepper’s inherent sweetness balances the heat, creating a pleasant flavor. So, it is a good choice for those who don’t like too much heat but still enjoy the taste of peppers.
What Is The Mad Hatter Pepper Used For?
The Mad Hatter pepper is used for both culinary and ornamental purposes. Its texture and flavor make it great for snacking at the green or red maturation stage.
You can also use the Mad Hatter chilis in any dish to replace bell peppers, such as:
- Salsas.
- Sandwiches.
- Pizzas.
- Salads.
- Crudites.
- Taco Bell burritos.
To get a different flavor, pickle the Mad Hatter chilis to add sweetness and mild heat to your recipes to make them more enjoyable to consume.
Are Mad Hatter Peppers Good For You?
Mad Hatter peppers have various health benefits due to their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and capsaicin composition.
Here are some of the health benefits these peppers provide in their raw or cooked form:
- Protection against chronic illnesses like cancer and heart attacks.
- Improve metabolism and immunity.
- Cures iron deficiency.
- Relive nerve pain.
Conclusion
This article discussed everything you need to know about Mad Hatter Pepper, including its characteristics, heat level, and taste. You also came to know about Mad Hatter Pepper’s health benefits and uses in various dishes.
So, whether you are a culinary enthusiast or someone looking to enhance their well-being through natural remedies, these bell-shaped peppers are a must-try.
FAQs
How Long Do Mad Hatter Peppers Take To Grow?
Mad Hatter peppers take around 65-70 days to produce green chilies and about 85-90 days after planting to get ripe and turn red.Â
How Do You Know When A Mad Hatter Pepper Is Ripe?
You know when a Mad Hatter chili is ripe by its flavor and color. A fully ripened pepper is bright red with a sweet, fruity, floral taste.Â
How Often Do You Water Mad Hatter Peppers?
If you’ve planted your Mad Hatter capsicum in a 0.5-gallon pot and away from direct sunlight, water it with 0.8-1 cup water every nine days. For outdoor plants, check the moisture level and water them when necessary.
How Do You Cook The Mad Hatter Peppers?
To cook your Mad Hatter chilies, cut off their noses and leave the core and seed intact. Drizzle some olive or grapeseed oil over the pieces and roast them at 350 degrees until there are soft and slightly charred on the edges.Â
Ensure to stir the pepper occasionally during the roasting process for even cooking.Â
How Do You Save Mad Hatter Pepper Seeds?
To save Mad Hatter seeds for the next harvesting season, select ripe, red, and wrinkled peppers and cut off their bottoms. Next, roll them to remove the seeds and discard any moldy or discolored ones. Dry the seeds in a dry and airy spot until they are brittle, and store them in a container in a cool, dry place.
