Birdseye Chile Powder, Capsicum frutescens, is a crazy-hot chile powder that measures 100,000-225,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). It is commonly referred to as bird's eye chile, birds eye chilli powder, birds eye chili powder, bird’s eye chile powder, pili-pili, peri-peri, African devil, Mombassa chile, African chile or Zanzibar chile. This pepper is closely related to the tabasco chile.

The Birdseye Chile Powder, particularly powder ground from chiles grown in Uganda, is considered to be the hottest chile that is not from the Capsicum chinense species. This species includes chile varietals like the Pepper X, the hottest pepper in the world. 

Birdseye Chile Powder is often purchased by: 

• ramen, condiment, and sauce manufacturers;
• independent spice shops;
• brewpubs;
• hot chicken food trucks;
• African restaurants; and
• seasoning companies

We also have whole African Bird’s Eye Chiles available.

Flavor Profile

Birdseye Chile Powder has a clean flavor with notes of grass and hay, and an extra-spicy bite.

Heat Level

Birdseye Chile Powder is a crazy-hot powder, measuring 100,000-225,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units).

How To Use

Birdseye Chile Powder is most often thought of as the heat source in peri-peri sauce, a vinegar and lemon sauce that showcases the heat and flavor of this pepper. Its clean flavor enhances any dish that you want to add a burst of heat to, from tagines to tacos. 

Use Birdseye Chile Powder with beef, lamb, pork, chicken, or seafood. It goes well with vegetables, stews, chilis, and soups, or add to marinades or dressings. Great in salsas and hot sauces. 

African Bird’s Eye Chiles pair well with garlic, onion, chives, cilantro, cumin, cardamom, coriander, ginger, citrus, chocolate, lemongrass, and grains of paradise.