Shata Baladi - 15 pcs seeds

Shata Baladi is a traditional Egyptian chilli pepper of the species Capsicum annuum, valued for its pleasant fruity flavour and heat level of 20 000–25 000 SHU. The compact plant reaches around 60 cm and is excellent for growing in pots. The small upright fruits reach up to 4 × 2.5 cm and are especially suitable for drying and making homemade chilli powder.

Shata Baladi combines substantial yet well-balanced heat with a pleasant fruity character. In Egypt, this type of pepper is widely used to make chilli powder, which is also one of the most suitable uses for home-grown fruits.

The plant is compact, with short branches, and reaches about 60 cm. This makes it a practical choice not only for the garden and greenhouse, but also for a terrace or balcony, where it can be grown in a suitable pot.

Variety characteristics

• Bulgarian name: Shata Baladi
• Original name: Shata Baladi
• Botanical species: Capsicum annuum
• Origin: Egypt
• Heat level: 20 000–25 000 SHU
• Flavour: Pleasantly fruity
• Height: around 60 cm
• Growth habit: Compact, with short branches
• Fruit position: Upright
• Maximum length: around 4 cm
• Maximum width: around 2.5 cm
• Suitable for pots: Yes
• Main use: Drying and making chilli powder.

🔥 Heat

20 000–25 000 SHU

This is enough heat for a noticeable effect in sauces and seasonings, while the variety remains far from the extreme heat of Habanero and superhot peppers.

🌱 Sowing and growing

Sowing: January–April
Sowing location: indoors
Germination temperature: 20–30°C
Greenhouse planting: recommended for higher yields
Outdoor planting: around the end of May
Height: around 60 cm
Growing in pots: highly suitable.

Taller plants can be staked or pruned for a more compact shape. In autumn, the plants can be moved into pots and continue fruiting on a bright windowsill.

🌶️ Suitable for homemade chilli powder

This is one of the most distinctive features of Shata Baladi. The Egyptian pepper is widely used for making chilli powder.

After ripening, the fruits can be thoroughly dried and ground. The variety's fruity character adds more aroma to the seasoning, instead of offering heat alone.

🍴 Culinary use

Besides chilli powder, Shata Baladi can be used for hot sauces, marinades, soups, stews and various spicy dishes.