About Chinese Peppers
China is the world's largest pepper producer. Sichuan cuisine relies on facing heaven peppers and er jing tiao for the region's famous málà (numbing-spicy) flavor. We track 4 varieties from China, ranging from mild everyday peppers to extreme super-hots. Each pepper profile includes Scoville heat ratings, flavor descriptions, culinary uses, and growing tips.
The hottest China pepper in our database is Tien Tsin at 50K–75K SHU, while the mildest is Goat Horn Pepper at 2K–5K SHU. Learn how heat is measured in our Scoville scale guide.
The dominant species among China peppers is C. annuum (4 varieties). All domesticated peppers belong to five Capsicum species — annuum, chinense, baccatum, frutescens, and pubescens — each with distinct heat ranges and flavor profiles.
Looking for a specific heat level? Browse our heat level tiers or use the Scoville scale tool to compare peppers side by side. Need a pepper substitute? We cover swaps for every variety.
All Chinese Peppers
Every variety in this collection, sorted by maximum Scoville heat rating. Click any card for the full profile with flavor notes, anatomy details, growing tips, and substitutes.
Species Breakdown
China peppers span multiple Capsicum species. Each species has distinct characteristics — learn more in our species profiles below.
Heat Level Distribution
How chinese peppers distribute across the Scoville scale. Click any tier to browse all peppers at that heat level.
Heat Range Comparison
Visual breakdown of where each variety falls on the Scoville scale. The bar width shows the documented SHU spread — wider bars mean more variable heat between individual pods. Learn why heat varies in our guide to pepper heat variation.
Related Comparisons
Side-by-side breakdowns of heat, flavor, and culinary uses. Each comparison covers Scoville ratings, pod anatomy, and substitution options.
Browse all comparisons in our comparison hub, or use the pepper tools for calculators and finders.
Related Guides
Deep-dive articles covering the cooking techniques, growing methods, and science behind chinese peppers.
Explore Other Origins
Peppers evolved in the Americas and spread worldwide through the Columbian Exchange. Each region developed distinct varieties shaped by local cuisine and climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Browse our full pepper database, compare varieties head-to-head, or find peppers by heat level. For cooking inspiration, check our guides and recipes.