'Sweet Appel Kambe' hot pepper
The Sweet Apple Kambe pepper is a heritage variety originating from Bulgaria, known for its round, fleshy fruits resembling small tomatoes. Also called "Sweet Apple," this pepper belongs to the pimento or "cheese pepper" group, a historical name used in Eastern Europe and Spain. In the past, these mild peppers were used to color and flavor artisanal cheeses, hence their name.
The fruits are particularly large for this type of chili pepper, reaching over 12 cm in diameter and nearly 7 cm in thickness, roughly the size of an average heirloom tomato. They change from creamy white to a light orange tinge, and can then turn reddish-orange if left on the plant for longer.
The flesh is thick, crisp, and very sweet, with almost no heat. This chili pepper is highly prized in salads, stir-fries, roasted dishes, or stuffed peppers. Its tender texture, however, requires only brief cooking to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
Features
Plant height: 60 to 90 cm
Spread: 50 to 70 cm
Quantity per packet: approximately 10 seeds
Scoville Heat Unit (SHU): 0 to 100 SHU
Companion plants
Basil
Carrots
Onions
Parsley
Tomatoes
Enemy plants
Fennel
Kohlrabi
Farming method
Sowing: Start sowing indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost.
Germination: 7 to 14 days.
Germination temperature: 24 to 28 °C.
Transplanting: Transplant into the garden or into pots when temperatures are stable and all risk of frost has passed.
Location: full sun.
Soil type: rich, loose and well-drained soil, enriched with compost.
Watering: Water regularly to maintain uniformly moist soil.
Fertilization: use a balanced fertilizer during growth then favour a fertilizer rich in potassium during fruit production.
Harvest
Days before harvest: approximately 70 to 80 days after transplanting.
Colour at maturity: creamy white turning apricot orange then orange-red.
Uses: salads, stir-fries, roasts, stuffings or mild sauces.
pot culture
The Sweet Apple Kambe grows very well in pots thanks to its compact habit. Use a container of at least 12 to 15 liters with rich, well-draining potting soil. Place the pot in full sun and fertilize regularly to encourage the production of large fruit. Growing in pots also allows you to control watering and obtain a good harvest even in a limited space.
Uses and specific features
This sweet pepper is particularly prized for its thick flesh and very sweet flavor. It's excellent raw in salads, sautéed with vegetables, roasted, or stuffed. For stuffed peppers, it's advisable to cook the filling before stuffing the fruit, then roast briefly to prevent the pepper from becoming too soft. Its round shape and generous size make it an ideal variety for cooking.
Warning
This chili pepper is mild and has virtually no heat. No special precautions are necessary when handling it.
