Wiri Wiri Pepper Powder

The Wiri Wiri pepper plant bears small, round berries that start out green and ripen to a bright red color. Because of its cherry-like appearance, the Wiri Wiri pepper is sometimes called the Hot Cherry or Bird Cherry pepper. Pretty cool, we know.

Its cousin is the more well-known cayenne pepper, and like the cayenne, the Wiri Wiri is a member of the Capsicum Frutescens species. This species also includes other peppers, like the Thai chili pepper, African birdseye chili, and Piri Piri pepper.

Capsicum Frutescens peppers are known for their intense heat, which is why they are used so sparingly in dishes. A little goes a long way with these bad boys.

One of the best ways to use the Wiri Wiri pepper is to make a paste out of it. This can be done by taking a small amount of the powder and adding a little water, oil, or vinegar. The paste can then be used as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, or soups. It can also be added to sauces or marinades to give them an extra kick of flavor.

Add the powder directly to marinades, dry rubs, or sauces. The possibilities are endless.

The Wiri Wiri pepper is a unique chili pepper with beautiful organoleptic properties. It has the power to enhance any dish with its fruity, yet spicy flavor. However, due to its strong spiciness, it must be used sparingly.

If you can handle the heat, we recommend giving this pepper a try in your next dish. Just be sure to follow our safety precautions when handling it!

Frequently Asked Questions about Wiri Wiri Peppers

How hot are Wiri Wiri Peppers?

What is very surprising about these pepper is they are packed with flavor and heat. The Scoville Scale is used to gauge the pungency of peppers. For example, a jalapeno has a Scoville Heat Rating of between 5,000 - 10,000 Scoville Heat Units while a Ghost Pepper has a Scoville Heat Rating of just over 1 million. A Wiri Wiri pepper has a Scoville heat rating between 100,000 - 350,000 SHU. This puts the Wiri Wiri pepper on par as far as the pungency of habanero peppers.

What does a Wiri Wiri pepper taste like?

The flavor is very distinct for peppers, it has a very earthy flavor and tastes very similar to tomatoes. In Guyana, they are commonly used in stews, BBQ sauces, hot sauces, soups, & Guyanese Pepperpot. Hot sauces using Wiri Wiri peppers are commonly found throughout the Caribbean and Brazil.

What do Wiri Wiri peppers look like?

Wiri Wiri peppers typically measure about a half inch. They are round or slightly ovate, often resembling small berries or cherries, which is why they're sometimes called "Hot Cherry" or "Bird Cherry" peppers.

Also available as Wiri Wiri Pepper Flakes.

Looking for a larger amount?
We offer wholesale discounts on purchases over $500. You can learn about wholesale on our Wholesale Page.

Want to learn more about Wiri Wiri Peppers?
Check out our comprehensive guide,  All You Need to Know About Wiri Wiri Peppers on our blog.