In the 1980s, in Walnut, California, Frank Garcia was walking through his fields of rows upon rows of Habanero plants. These Chile peppers are already known for their heat, but among them, one unusual plant caught Frank’s eye. He noticed that this one Habanero plant was producing fruits with a deeper red color than the others. This wasn’t intentional, of course. Turns out, these type of variations in plant breeding can happen naturally due to a genetic mutation.
Seeing the potential of this happy accident, Frank isolated this plant and started a selective breeding process. It took a while but ultimately, the Red Savina pepper was born.
This cultivar of Habanero chili held the title of the world’s hottest pepper, recorded in the Guinness World Records, before being overtaken by other superhot varieties like the Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper) and Carolina Reaper. It has a Scoville Heat Units (SHUs) rating of about 350,000 to 580,000 SHU, which rightfully makes it a favorite among hot sauce enthusiasts and spicy food lovers.
Red, Set, Go: The Aromatic Red Savina Habanero Peppers
Despite the intense heat, the Red Savina chili pepper has a surprisingly fruity and somewhat sweet flavor. As your tongue registers the rich flavor, your nose is hit with a fresh, slightly floral aroma common to Habanero peppers but with its own twist. If you were to hold one up to your nose, you might detect notes that remind you of tropical fruits, maybe a bit like a very spicy, tangy mango or pineapple.
The pepper itself is deep red when fully ripe. It is a somewhat larger and plumper than your average Habanero, with a smooth, glossy skin and the lantern-like shape. When growing, the peppers start green and gradually turn red as they mature.
How To Use the Red Savina Habanero Pepper in Recipes?
Since it is extremely spicy, you are not likely to find Red Savina Habaneros in your local grocery stores. Unless you want to grow your own peppers, your best bet is through a reliable pepper provider – like Magic Plant Farms. All of our exotic Chile peppers are sourced from our own farms in the Mideast, South America, Asia, and Africa.
We have fresh whole pods, powders, flakes, puree, and mash made from premium Red Savina Peppers. Using these, especially the hot sauces, is a fantastic way to enjoy the intense heat of one of the hottest chili peppers without the challenge of handling the raw plant. Here are some ideas for you to add that spicy kick to a number of different dishes without needing the fresh peppers on hand.
Red Savina Habanero Powder
Sprinkle a little Red Savina powder into soups, stews, or on your popcorn for an extra zing. Remember, a little goes a long way! You can also make a dry rub by mixing some of this powder with paprika and garlic powder. Rub it on meats before cooking for a spicy crust.
Red Savina Flakes
These crunchy flakes are perfect for adding a burst of heat on your pizza or into pasta sauces (or over your pasta). You can add a pinch of these flakes to almost anything – scrambled eggs, omelets, avocado toast, savory muffins, roasted vegetables, homemade potato or kale chips, salad dressings and vinaigrettes, soups and chilis, and much more. To impress your spice-loving guests, try mixing it with a little salt for a spicy rim on a Bloody Mary or margarita glass.
Red Savina Mash
Feel free to stir a bit of the Magic Plant Farms Red Savina mash into marinades for chicken, beef, or veggies before grilling. We also love to mix some into mayonnaise to create a spicy mayo for sandwiches or as a dip. If you make your own hot sauce, consider adding the mash as a base and combining it with vinegar, salt, and a dash of honey. Add a teaspoon into your stews or chili to deepen the flavor with a spicy kick.
Red Savina Whole Pods
Want to create your own super-spicy infused cooking oil? Submerge a whole pod in a bottle of olive oil for a few weeks. You can also dry these whole pods and then crush them into flakes.
Remember, the key with Caribbean Red Habanero products is to start small and taste as you go because they really pack a punch. So what are you waiting for? Check out our store to find your next favorite chili pepper!
