The red amazon chili pepper is actually a Tabasco pepper in dried form. This is the most commonly known and used pepper in the United States. It is found in many sauces or used whole and dried to add a kick to soups and salads as well. Amazons can also be dried and ground into a fine powder that can be used instead of cayenne pepper.
The fruit itself is smooth and tapering. They mature at a length between one to two inches while the plants themselves can reach about 60” in height. Plants will produce blossoms yellow to cream in color. The peppers start out green then change to yellow in color. As maturation happens, they will change to orange and then at full maturity at about 80 days- a bright red.
Taste and Smell
The flavor of the red amazon is light and fiery with just a hint of celery. It has a Scoville rating of 30,000 to 75,000 making it maintain a nice flavor but still carrying enough of a kick.
Culinary Uses
Aside from being used in one of America’s favorite sauces, Tabasco, the Red Amazon is a great addition to many soups, sauces, powders, and seasonings.
Cultivation
Peppers are a rewarding addition to any garden and are generally easy to grow.
Though you can grow peppers from seeds, many find it better to obtain small plants that have already taken root. You can find seedlings or small plants at garden centers, farmer’s markets, or online retailers.
Plant the seedlings outdoors after the threat of frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached at least 50 degrees F. The area you choose should receive full sun and have good drainage.
These peppers prefer temperatures between 80-85 degrees F.
Sow plants about three feet apart to give them plenty of space to tend to them and for them to grow. Keep the soil well watered until your plants have established themselves in your garden.
Once established, keep the soil moist. Fertilizer will encourage fruit growth and can be applied every few weeks. Soil rich in phosphorus, potassium and calcium with low nitrogen since it can deter fruit growth, is ideal.
Regular weeding will give your plants room to grow. Mulch can help discourage weed growth and help keep the soil moist.
Peppers can be harvested when the color and size of the fruit dictates that maturity has been reached. Amazon peppers will have many peppers growing at different rates allowing you to harvest and have a pepper supply whenever you want. They will also continue to produce delicious peppers up until the first frost hits.
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How accurate is this article? We are striving to become the ultimate resource for information on peppers, and if you notice any inaccuracies, or want to contribute content, please contact us.
