Chocolate Capsicum – Capsicum annuum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsicum_annuum

The last few years I have been growing small chocolate capsicums. They ripen up to a dark brown and have an excellent taste. They have a distinct flavour that is quite intense and similar to that of Mulato chillies – possibly they were part of the breeding program that was used to get the colour. They are especially tasty when combined with fresh cherry tomatoes, some fresh garlic and a smattering of balsamic vinegar and olive oil and then left to sit.

I have also been trying other coloured varieties such as white and a dark purple but they tend be larger and less interesting taste wise.

The small chocolate variety I have found most desirable grows to about 1 meter high and produces a steady stream of fruit through summer and into autumn.

They need good warm growing conditions and a reliable supply of water but other wise they are quite hardy. I find some beetles particularly like them but otherwise they tend to have few pests.