Capsicum baccatum 'Balloon'

The Balloon chilli is a very unusual pod shaped variety, which is believed to have been transfered from South America to Europe by the Portuguese in the 18th century. The plants are quite large growing 90-120cm (3-4ft) tall and produce 30 to 50 extremely weird 3 or 4 flat winged, wrinkled almost flying saucer like 4cm (1½in) wide pods. The flesh of each pod is thin athough crisp to taste and they mature from green to red approximately 90-100 days after seedlings have emerged. The body of the pods have some detectable heat, but the wings are sweet and mild.