Capsicum frutescens
This hot pepper is the symbol of Bahia, present in Feijoada (beans and meat stew), Dona Flor’s Vatapá (dried shrimp, coconut milk and bread porridge), and Acarajé (black-eyed peas falafel- like fritter). Native to tropical America, it is small in size (about 1 inch) but yet very spicy. Fresh or preserved, the elongated fruit can be used both unripe, when it is green, or when it is very ripe and deep red. Also found in the cuisine of the Southeast and Midwest regions.
