Datil
200,000 SHU · Capsicum chinense
Very HotHeat range
100,000 to 300,000 SHU. Typical: 200,000 SHU.
Individual peppers vary within this range based on growing conditions, ripeness, and genetic variation. See the Scoville scale guide for why the range matters.
Flavor and character
Datil has flavors of sweet, fruity, tropical, tangy, honey-like.
The datil pepper is a regional treasure of St. Augustine, Florida, where it has been cultivated by the Minorcan community since at least the late 1700s. It is closely related to the habanero in both heat level and species (Capsicum chinense), but the flavor is distinctly different — sweeter, more fruity, with a honey-like quality that makes it exceptional in jellies, sweet hot sauces, and seafood preparations. Datils are rarely found outside northeast Florida, which gives them a cult following among pepper enthusiasts. The combination of genuine heat (comparable to a habanero) with pronounced sweetness makes them one of the most versatile cooking peppers in the very-hot tier.
How it’s used
Datil is commonly used in datil pepper sauce, jellies, seafood dishes, marinades.
What to use instead
These substitutions match heat, not flavor. Flavor character changes substantially between peppers. For custom quantities, use the substitution calculator.
Compare with another pepper
Other peppers to explore
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Datil compared to a jalapeño?
Datil at 200,000 SHU is roughly 40× hotter than a typical jalapeño (5,000 SHU). That is a significant difference in capsaicin concentration.
What does Datil taste like?
Datil has flavors of sweet, fruity, tropical, tangy, honey-like. Beyond the heat, these flavor notes distinguish it from other peppers at similar Scoville ratings.
Can I grow Datil at home?
Yes. Datil grows well in USDA zones 7+ and can be grown in containers in cooler zones. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Full sun, moderate water, and well-drained soil produce the best results.
Is Datil hotter than Habanero?
No. Habanero at 250,000 SHU typical is hotter than Datil at 200,000 SHU. Compare them side by side on the comparison tool.
What's a good substitute for Datil?
The closest substitutes are Habanero and Scotch Bonnet. These share similar heat ranges and compatible flavor profiles. For exact quantity ratios, use the substitution calculator.
What is Datil's Scoville rating?
Datil ranges from 100,000 to 300,000 SHU, with a typical measurement of 200,000 SHU. This range reflects natural variation in capsaicin production due to growing conditions, ripeness, and genetics.