Purple UFO Pepper

Purple UFO pepper is a unique pepper variety. This variety of pepper is a small-sized pepper that is considered an ornamental pepper. Purple UFO pepper’s name is based on the appearance of a UFO or flying saucer shape. They can also be known as chili flying saucer peppers. These peppers are wonderful to enhance the scenery of landscapes and gardens. 

Ornamental Peppers

There are numerous pepper varieties that come in various sizes and spice levels. Purple UFO peppers are typically classified ornamental peppers. These peppers are small, bright, edible peppers. The purple UFO peppers are not as common or popular for culinary uses like cherry peppers or banana peppers. 

The Unique Shape & Color of Purple UFO Peppers

The purple UFO peppers have a distinctive and unusual appearance compared to common-looking peppers. These varieties of peppers are shaped similar to a flying saucer. The look of the pepper is unique, with a disc shape that is round towards the top or the center and more narrow towards the bottom part of the pepper.

Color Stage

The color of the pepper is also another unique characteristic. These peppers are a shiny purple color at the unripe stage. The transitions of the pepper are interesting; as they go through the stages of maturing, they change to a dark purple, almost appearing as a dark shade of black. As the peppers mature, they turn to orange, then to a darker shade of red when fully ripened.

Leaves

The purple UFO pepper leaves can be darker compared to other pepper varieties. The leaves can vary in color from green to dark black. Unlike the peppers that are edible, the leaves of the peppers are not edible.

Benefits

Plant peppers in general have a variety of health benefits. Purple UFO peppers are packed with various benefits. They contain nutritional health benefits and are great additions to a plant-base diet. This is a nice way to add flavor and spice to healthy dishes.  

Availability & Purchase

Purple UFO peppers are unlikely to be found in major supermarkets in the states. It is a rare type of pepper that is not easily found. Places such as farmers markets are a good place to scout for fresh purple UFO peppers, especially when peppers are in season. Garden centers are an excellent place to check out to see if these varieties of pepper plants are available for purchase. Many local outdoor garden centers carry rare plant types that may be hard to come by.

Numerous online retailers offer purple UFO pepper seeds for purchase. This is a nice way to plant these exotic types of peppers in a home garden since they are generally considered simple to grow. These varieties of peppers are attractive types of pepper that make a great addition to landscapes and gardens.

Food & Drink

Purple UFO peppers offer a unique flavor and texture to culinary dishes. The peppers have a nice crispy and crunchy texture. They can be consumed raw, or these flavorful peppers can be roasted. Purple UFO peppers are excellent additions to fresh pasta salads, sandwiches, soups, stews, sauces, marinades, or stir-fry dishes. The peppers are also a wonderful addition to grilled dishes.

Heat & Flavor

These peppers are in a mid-level heat range. Heat level is considered medium spiciness. The flavor level may differ between the ripening stages. The peppers consist of a fruit flavor throughout the phases. Many people consider the peppers to have a fruity apple flavor.

Pickling

Purple UFO peppers can be used for pickling. These peppers can be pickled like many other mini peppers. In addition, they can be used to make pepper powder. Dry the peppers, then use a kitchen tool such as a food processor to process the peppers to powder.

Recipe Ideas

• Pickled purple UFO peppers and cucumbers
• Dried purple UFO pepper for pepper powder
• Purple UFO pepper hot sauce & salsa

Summary

Purple UFO peppers are versatile peppers. Their unique characteristics make these peppers a fruity and different type of pepper to experiment with in dishes. In addition, they are great additions to gardens, creating a visually pleasing and beautiful garden.