Hungarian Wax
7,500 SHU · Capsicum annuum
MediumHeat range
1,000 to 15,000 SHU. Typical: 7,500 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
Hungarian Wax has flavors of waxy, slightly sweet, medium heat, tangy.
The Hungarian wax pepper is a medium-heat pepper with a distinctive waxy, thick-walled texture that makes it excellent for stuffing and pickling. It starts yellow and matures through orange to red, gaining heat and sweetness as it ripens. The heat range is wide — mild specimens overlap with banana peppers, while hot ones approach serrano territory. This variability means you should taste before committing large quantities to a dish. Hungarian wax peppers are closely associated with Hungarian cuisine, where they appear in goulash, paprikash, and pickled as a condiment. They are often confused with banana peppers due to similar appearance when yellow, but Hungarian wax peppers are consistently hotter and have a more complex flavor.
How it’s used
Hungarian Wax is commonly used in pickling, stuffing, Hungarian cuisine, frying, salads.
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 Hungarian Wax compared to a jalapeño?
Hungarian Wax at 7,500 SHU is roughly 2× hotter than a typical jalapeño (5,000 SHU). That is a significant difference in capsaicin concentration.
What does Hungarian Wax taste like?
Hungarian Wax has flavors of waxy, slightly sweet, medium heat, tangy. Beyond the heat, these flavor notes distinguish it from other peppers at similar Scoville ratings.
Can I grow Hungarian Wax at home?
Yes. Hungarian Wax 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 Hungarian Wax hotter than Serrano?
No. Serrano at 15,000 SHU typical is hotter than Hungarian Wax at 7,500 SHU. Compare them side by side on the comparison tool.
What's a good substitute for Hungarian Wax?
The closest substitutes are Fresno and Jalapeño. These share similar heat ranges and compatible flavor profiles. For exact quantity ratios, use the substitution calculator.
What is Hungarian Wax's Scoville rating?
Hungarian Wax ranges from 1,000 to 15,000 SHU, with a typical measurement of 7,500 SHU. This range reflects natural variation in capsaicin production due to growing conditions, ripeness, and genetics.