Siling Haba Pepper

The Siling Haba or simply Haba pepper is a hot chili pepper that is commonly used in Filipino cuisine. The pepper gets its name from the Filipino word for “long” or “tall” due to its elongated shape. It is a member of the Capsicum frutescens species and is also known as the Bird’s Eye chili or Thai pepper.

The Siling Haba pepper typically measures 1-2 inches in length and 0.25 inches in diameter. It has a bright green color when immature and turns into a fiery red when fully ripe. The pepper has thin flesh and small seeds, making it easy to chop or blend. It has a Scoville heat rating of around 50,000-100,000, which means it packs a punch of spiciness.

The flavor of the Siling Haba pepper is described as tangy, with a hint of sweetness. It is commonly used in Filipino dishes like sinigang, adobo, and pinakbet. The pepper is also used to make spicy sauces, vinegars, and condiments. Due to its high heat level, it is usually used in small quantities to add flavor and heat to dishes.

The Siling Haba pepper is native to Southeast Asia and is popular in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is also widely used in Filipino cuisine due to its easy availability and versatility. The pepper grows on small shrubs and is typically harvested when fully ripe.