Hawaiian Chili Pepper ~ Live Plant Gift

There’s a handful of plants that most local Hawaiian ‘Ohana have in their yards or gardens.  The Hawaiian Chili pepper is one of them.  The Latin name for this pepper is Capsicum fruitescens . While here in Hawaii it is called “Nioi”.     

Introduced in 1815 Hawaii families fell in love with this spicy pepper and created homemade concoctions called “chili peppah wattah” or Hawaiian Chili Pepper Water.   

This spicy condiment has now become a Hawaii staple and tradition. Family recipes are passed down through generations and you’ll rarely find a local household without a bottle on hand. 

There are many recipes out there but here’s one we’d like to share:

1 cup boiling water

¼ cup vinegar

1-10 cloves garlic

1 tsp Hawaiian salt

10-20 Hawaiian Chili Peppers

Directions: Mash garlic, salt, and chili peppers together.  Add vinegar and water. Pour into jars and refrigerate overnight.   

Perfect as a housewarming gift or as a spicy way to say “I love you”. 

This Nioi plant comes gift wrapped with a bow.