Shombo (Fresh)

Ingredients

Nigerian Shombo Chilis (Fresh Nigerian Cayenne)

Origin

Grown in the Caribbean

Flavor Profile 

Bright, Fruity, Moderate

Contact us for Wholesale Orders

Brighten Every Bite with Shombo Chili

“Shombo is the everyday hero of Yoruba kitchens—its bright heat and ruby color turn simple tomatoes into a stew you can taste from across the courtyard.”

Grown regeneratively on our Dominican farm, Shombo Chili (often mistaken for common red cayenne) delivers a clean, vibrant heat with subtle fruity notes that set Yoruba cuisine ablaze. Longer and slimmer than Ata Rodo, Shombo is the backbone of everyday Nigerian stews, pepper blends, and “designer” jollof sauces—providing color, body, and moderate fire without overpowering the dish.

Shombo vs. Cayenne – clearing the confusion Shombo delivers a comparable heat to U.S. cayenne—about 30–50 k Scoville—but its flavour profile is noticeably different: a fruity sweetness with a light smoky edge versus cayenne’s sharper, grassy bite. Thanks to its juicier flesh, Shombo purées beautifully into pepper bases, while the drier U.S. variety is better suited to being dried and powdered. In Yoruba kitchens, Shombo forms the everyday flavour backbone—blending seamlessly with Ata Rodo in stews and sauces—whereas Western cooks tend to use cayenne mainly as a finishing sprinkle.

Why Choose Nigerian Shombo Chilis?

• Balanced, Everyday Heat – Adds warmth and deep red color without the searing punch of Scotch Bonnet.
• Fruity Depth – Enhances tomato bases, pepper soups, and suya marinades with a hint of natural sweetness.
• Regenerative Quality – Soil‑building cover crops and organic compost boost capsaicin, antioxidants, and flavor complexity.
• Bulk & Ready – Picked, hydro‑cooled, and packed in 10 lb ventilated cartons—perfect for wholesalers, caterers, and food processors.

How to Use: Blend fresh Shombo with Ata Rodo for classic Nigerian stew bases; slice into stir‑fries, sauces, and salsas; or ferment for artisan hot sauces. One pepper ≈ medium heat increase quantity to adjust taste and heat as needed.

Crafted for Culinary Pros

With consistent size (4‑6 inches), glossy red skin, and reliable heat, our Shombo empowers kitchens that prize authentic West African flavor and sustainable sourcing.

Harvest & Processing

Our fresh Nigerian Shombo chilis are carefully hand-picked and packed at peak ripeness, ensuring they maintain their signature color and robust flavor. This meticulous process guarantees that you get the highest quality fresh chilis, ready to transform your meals.

Note: Fresh produce stocks are limited.