I bought this pepper plant but im told it’s not edible. How can I tell exactly?

by Takingmonday

18 Comments

  1. Takingmonday

    Acapulco Ornamental Pepper plant.

    I was told that when buying it, it’s probably not the editable type. So after a week of watering it and keeping it looking nice, I figured why not try one. It was hot, tested almost like a bell pepper with heat. Does that mean it is editable?

  2. All peppers are edible.

    Edit: Unless this is a fake plant LOL

  3. LarryBacon

    There is a variety that stores like to sell because it’s small and they call it ornamental but that one is also edible. I can confirm as I have turned into a mild hot sauce before

  4. Pineapple_Spenstar

    The peppers are edible, but they’re bred for aesthetics rather than flavor

  5. CallMeBuffaloBill

    It actually tastes alright, I have grown it in seasons prior. Productive for the space it takes up, grows well under grow lights and also on a balcony with 6-7h direct sun.

  6. BigJeffreyC

    Ornamentals are still edible but not as tasty. The only reason I can see them saying it’s not edible is if they used a systemic pesticide that’s not approved for vegetables. (Houseplants only)

  7. Some ornamental peppers are labeled as not edible, not because they have poisons or anything but because they are unpalatable, very grassy flavored.

  8. Hyphen_Nation

    In college I ate a “decorative” pepper plant pepper on a dare…it was so effing hot, I think I disassociated for about 15 min…

  9. Much_Guava_1396

    All members of the Capsicum genus produce edible fruit, including all wild species.

    Ornamental peppers is just a commercial classification for peppers that have aesthetic value. Some of them actually taste pretty good and have a nice quick. Some of them taste not great. None of the will make you sick.

    Just FIY, some ornamental peppers may be sprayed with pesticides or fungicides that are not allowed to be used on edible crops.

  10. My parents in law swear by a story of a friend that told them a relative dropped dead after eating a decorative kind of pumpkins. I have always disregarded it as BS or at least lacking nuance. They refuse to accept any homegrown vegetables for this reason, lol

  11. BackgroundPrompt3111

    Hogwash. Eat ’em up!

    All Capsicum fruits are edible and nutritious

  12. IgnisSauros

    All peppers are edible. The ones that are bred to be ornamental are often called inedible because they tend to be bitter and very hot

  13. DoktorDrip

    This is an ornamental pepper. I bit into one at Lowe’s the other day (I know) and I really like the level of heat and mild flavor. Probably be a great sauce pepper. May try my hand at some myself.

  14. ChemicalT

    Peppers labeled as ornamental typically have a bitter taste that makes them not taste good.

  15. IceSkythe

    as far as my florist mother-in law told me the nurseries used to give the plant chemicals to get the “right dwarf-optics” without breeding for them and those made pods already on the plant risky to eat. And if they’re not sold as edible plants they’re under different restrictions regarding insecticed/pesticides etc. depending on where you live and what variety it is it can still be possible.

    that and they’re breeding them with looks in mind,not taste.

Write A Comment