Eating the Holy Grail - The Mexican Red Manzano

As I posted, found at the place where I normally buy Orange Manzanos, the mythical Red Manzano from Mexico! Ok, perhaps not mythical, but probably about as rare as hen`s teeth. 
 
I love C.pubescens varieties. For me, they are the best all-around group of peppers for flavor, decent heat, cooking, eating raw, making sauce, making jam and anything else I can think of.
 
This one was particularly superb, though. The flavor was more intense than the Orange varieties, with a richness and nuttiness I have not found in Orange Manzanos. There was a great balance of sweetness, fruitiness and acidity that combined beautifully. While the fruitiness was quite general, it was not remotely tropical and did not have the aromatics you find in tropical fruit. 
 
The heat was very surprising. Initially quite hot, certainly a lot more than I expected. This particular pepper was appreciably hotter than any store bought Habanero. That was a big bonus for such an outstanding pepper. without doubt, the hottest C.pubescens I`ve ever eaten. 
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahhZ2_G4IEU&feature=youtu.be
 
Another top review Nigel ... Although I really need to stop watching them... You make me want to grow a new variety each time ;) :D ... You certainly sold me on this one ... Looks nice and fleshy and like it would make a kick ass chunky salsa ... Cheers!!
 
Roguejim said:
Very cool!  It appears you've snipped your goatee, Nigel.  Did something happen in the world of rugby?
No, I had to pretend to be an adult for a few days, teaching an exceptional young golfer. He and his Dad who flew over from Guam to see me. 
 
"Ok, perhaps not mythical, but probably about as rare as hen`s teeth". Sorry, couldn't resist! Great review Nigel. 
 
Nigel said:
Yes indeed. Northgate Market on east vista way.
Nice find! Know of any other stores in the area that carry hot peppers (other than the common varieties like habaneros and jalapeños)? I'm heading to Fallbrook next month and these winter months without fresh peppers are killin' me! I need to find some markets that sell fresh peppers in southern California!
 
irishmaverick said:
Nice find! Know of any other stores in the area that carry hot peppers (other than the common varieties like habaneros and jalapeños)? I'm heading to Fallbrook next month and these winter months without fresh peppers are killin' me! I need to find some markets that sell fresh peppers in southern California!
There is another Northgate market in Escondido, which is about 15 miles down the I-15 freeway from Fallbrook. The one on East Vista Way in Vista is probably about the same distance from Fallbrook. 
 
Ah, just looked online. There is one in Fallbrook........ :P
 
1346 S Mission Rd
Fallbrook, CA 92028
 
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