With a heat rating of 0 on the Scoville scale (0 SHU), this sweet pepper is ideal for fans of exotic flavors who want to enjoy the taste of Habanero without its heat.

Developed by Michael Mazourek, a plant breeder at Cornell University in the United States, Habanada is the result of selective breeding aimed at preserving the Habanero's aromatic qualities while eliminating its heat. Its name combines “Haba,” a reference to Habanero, and “nada,” meaning “nothing” in Spanish. The result is a distinctive, aromatic pepper for every palate, including those who can't handle hot peppers.

Habanada peppers measure about 4 to 5 cm and look like small, elongated Habaneros. As they ripen, they gradually change from lime green to a beautiful bright orange. Their flesh has fruity, tropical and floral notes, sometimes reminiscent of melon, making them a particularly interesting ingredient in the kitchen.

How can you enjoy Habanada peppers?

With no heat, Habanada offers plenty of culinary possibilities. It brings the characteristic aromas of Habanero peppers to mild, flavorful recipes.

• Raw in salads: dice the peppers to add a fruity, exotic touch to salads, raw vegetable dishes and tartare dishes.
• In fresh salsa: combine Habanada with tomato, red onion, lime and cilantro for a flavorful salsa with no heat.
• In homemade sauce: make a mild sauce with tropical notes, ideal with grilled foods, fish, poultry or vegetables.
• Stuffed and roasted: use whole or halved peppers to make tasty little bites filled with cream cheese, herbs or vegetables.
• In a marinade: add Habanada to a marinade for chicken, shrimp or tofu to enjoy its aromas without adding heat to the dish.
• For creative cooking: try pairing it with fruit, especially mango, pineapple or melon, to make chutneys, condiments and sweet-savory dishes.

Habanada is also great for making sauces inspired by Habanero recipes, but without the burn. It offers another way to discover the full range of aromas in this pepper family.

How do you grow Habanada peppers?

Growing Habanada peppers takes warmth, light and a little patience. This variety forms a bushy plant that can reach about 80 to 90 cm in height. It can be grown in a vegetable garden, greenhouse or pot on a sunny patio or balcony.

Sowing Habanada seeds

Sow the seeds between February and April, ideally in a heated mini greenhouse. The optimal germination temperature is between 22 and 28 °C. Under good conditions, seedlings usually emerge in 6 to 20 days.

Use a light, well-draining seed-starting mix and keep it moist but not waterlogged. A heat mat can aid germination by maintaining a consistent temperature. As soon as the first seedlings appear, make sure they get enough light to encourage compact, vigorous growth.

Planting and sun exposure

Transplant the seedlings once they are sufficiently developed. Habanada thrives in a very sunny, warm spot sheltered from the wind, with at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Wait until the risk of frost has passed before moving the plants outdoors, ideally 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost.

Choose fertile, moist, well-draining soil. Too much water or water sitting around the roots can hinder the plant's growth. Water regularly, allowing the growing medium to drain properly between waterings.

Growing this variety in a pot is especially useful because you can easily move the plant to the warmest, brightest spot. Choose a container that is large enough and has drainage holes in the bottom.

Flowering and harvest

Habanada peppers produce small white flowers before the fruit forms. Depending on growing conditions, the fruit takes about 90 to 100 days to fully ripen. It starts out green, then turns a brilliant orange when ripe.

To enjoy their fruity and floral aromas to the fullest, harvest the peppers once they are fully colored. You can then eat them fresh, cook with them, or turn them into mild sauces and condiments.

For more advice, check out our pepper-growing guide and growing journal to learn how to sow your seeds successfully, care for your plants and enjoy a plentiful harvest.

Habanada pepper characteristics

• Variety: Habanada
• Species: Capsicum chinense
• Origin: United States
• Type: aromatic sweet pepper with no heat
• Heat level: 0/10
• Scoville rating: 0 SHU
• Flavor: fruity, tropical and floral
• Fruit color: lime green, turning bright orange when ripe
• Fruit size: about 4 to 5 cm
• Plant height: about 80 to 90 cm
• Growth habit: bushy
• Flowering: white flowers, usually from May to July
• Sowing period: February to April
• Optimal germination temperature: 22 to 28 °C
• Germination time: about 6 to 20 days
• Ripening time: about 90 to 100 days
• Sun exposure: full sun in a warm, sheltered spot
• Growing conditions: pot, greenhouse or in the ground in a suitable climate
• Packet contents: 20 Habanada pepper seeds

Why choose Habanada pepper seeds?

Habanada pepper seeds are perfect for gardeners who want to grow a distinctive, ornamental variety that's especially appealing in the kitchen. This heat-free Habanero stands out for its bright orange fruit and tropical aromas, offering a mild alternative to traditionally very hot varieties.

Whether you love peppers, are passionate about gardening, or are curious to discover new flavors, Habanada deserves a place in your collection. Sow your 20 seeds and grow a pepper with the aroma of a Habanero, without the burn!