Unlike standard serrano peppers, NuMex Enchantment produces fruit that mature from green to a vibrant red, delivering not only the bold, spicy taste growers and consumers expect, but also striking visual appeal. The variety was developed to meet both culinary demand and ornamental interest-making it versatile for fresh markets, processing, and home gardens.
Serrano peppers are among the most widely consumed fresh pepper types. They generally possess a strong citrus-like flavor and higher Scoville heat units than jalapeño peppers. Both peppers are considered the most popular types for the the pico de gallo salsa. Serranos are also an important source of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and have antioxidant properties, demonstrating their importance for improving human health and nutrition.
Unlike the standard serrano peppers, NuMex Enchantment produces fruit that mature from green to a vibrant red, delivering not only the bold, spicy taste growers and consumers expect, but also striking visual appeal. The variety was developed to meet both culinary demand and ornamental interest-making it versatile for fresh markets, processing, and even home gardens.
Brightly colored vegetables render high-value products to a growing market of
consumers, providing opportunities for small-scale growers to shift from the traditional
production of low-value goods toward more premium, market-leading products.
Growers will appreciate NuMex Enchantment's strong yields and adaptability to diverse growing conditions in the Southwest United States and beyond. The plant's uniform fruit set, high yield potential, versatility, and reliable performance make it suitable for commercial production, while its colorful pods add value for specialty markets.
NuMex Enchantment serrano pepper seeds are available from the Chile Pepper Institute, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003. The Chile Pepper Institute can be contacted at https://cpi.nmsu.edu/ or by phone (575)646-3028.
The full story of this new variety of chili pepper can be found on the ASHS HortScience electronic journal website at: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18386-24
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community-scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
