Family:  Nightshade (Solanaceae)

Perennial in Zones 10-12, otherwise grown as an annual, 80 to 100 days to harvest

Native to the Peruvian Andes.  The plants are short and sturdy, studded copiously with the golden-orange, thin-skinned peppers.  These are not too hot, and they have a very citrusy taste.  We eat them fresh, squeezed between the layers that make up our summer sandwiches, cut them into salsa, or dry and grind them up into chili powder.  Since Criolla matures before other peppers, even here in our mountain farm where the nights are cool, we prefer this variety over all others.  Besides, the taste is phenomenal and the heat units are low enough to allow consumption of many without after effects except perhaps a warm glow down below!  Seriously, Criolla Sella is highly adaptable to northern temperate gardens, resistant to viral pathogens, and easy to germ in cool soils.

Packet contains 30 seeds
5 g contains ~1,200 seeds
10 g contains ~2,400 seeds

Certified Organically Grown

Traditional usage (TWM): flavor enhancement, circulation stimulant, antibacterial, vermifuge, against shock, life extension, prophyllactic to cancer and heart disease.*  Source of capsaicin.

* American Heart Association Scientific Sessions Report, Presentation P1036

• Consumption of chili pepper may reduce the relative risk of cardiovascular disease mortality by 26%, according to an analysis of diet and mortality data from four large, international studies.
• Chili pepper consumption was associated with a 25% reduction in death from any cause and 23% fewer cancer deaths, compared to people who never or only rarely consumed chili pepper.