Santaka Hot Pepper

Santaka is a Japanese heirloom hot pepper that comes from the Tochigi prefecture of Japan, first released in 1955. It is also sold under the names Japones, Hontaka, Japanese Chili, Oriental Chili, and Santaka Chile Pepper.

Plants average 2 feet tall, and pods grow upright in clusters and start out green before ripening to a bright, glossy red. Each pepper measures about 2 to 3 inches long and tapers to a point.

Santaka peppers rate between 40,000 and 50,000 Scoville Heat Units, placing them firmly in the hot category. The plants are known for high yields, good uniformity, and deer resistance. Peppers pop off the plant easily at harvest time and dry well, making them a good option for chili flakes, powders, or long-term storage.