Testing Dy Chillies

by Graham
(Durban, South Africa)

I was asking a supplier to send me some Birds Eye Chillies as samples for my customer. When the package was sent to me it had Birds Eye chillies and 6 other varieties all dried. Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to grow a few of each of these chillies in my garden.

A friend of mine came around the visit and I showed him my new chilli patch and the dried samples I had received. Advising him that the small Birds Eye were the hottest the others would be mild as they range around 8cm to 14 cm each. So selecting one which was 10cm long I took a nibble from the end. The burn instantly shocked me as I was not expecting such a burn. But keeping a straight face I said to my friend " It's nothing man doesn't even burn it's so mild". I watched and he took a whole mouthful size and bit.
All I saw was him shouting and running to the bathroom to spit it out and drink water. By this time I couldn't keep the piece in my mouth either and swallowed with a pip getting stuck in my throat. Knowing that drinking water is a waste of time i dashed to the fridge and drank milk. That soothed the pain. My friend emerged tears rushing down his cheeks as the water hadn't done the trick. I laughed and laughed and said " well i never imagined it would be that hot"

Now I am waiting patiently for the chillies I have grown to ripen and then give each one a try. I guess I could have a few friends over and have a chilli eating dare. I need a few different seed varieties to add some fire and interest to the party. I haven't been able to find any one close with a chilli passion who has several varieties for me to swap but in time I will.