From the Capsicum frutescens species, our Ground Birdseye Chile (also commonly spelled  Bird’s Eye Chile or Birds Eye Chile) is closely related to the fiery hot tabasco chile. The African Birdseye Chile is also called African devil, Monbassa chile, African Chile or Zanzibar chile.

There are many wild chiles that have the word "bird" in their names, so distinguishing among them can be difficult. Most of the wild grown bird-named peppers come from the four species Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum chinense, and Capsicum rutescens. The Texas chilipiquin and the Mexican Chiltepin are the best known bird peppers.

History and Cultivation

For hundreds of years, the Birdseye Chile has grown wild throughout Africa, but in more recent times it has also been commercially harvested in Australia, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Our Birdseye Chile Powder comes from India.

The immature Birdseye fruit is green in color and when fully ripened this chile turns a brilliant red. The African Birdseye chile is typically between ½” and 1” in length and tapers to a blunt point.  We also carry an African Birdseye Chile.

Due to their potent heat levels, many of these African chiles are harvested and processed for commercial use as a pepper extract. It is also common for Ground Birdseye Chiles to be sold as a super hot cayenne chile powder.

Flavor Profile and Heat

Birdseye Chiles lack the flavor complexities of some of the more popular chiles but are known for their clean flavor with undertones of dry hay and they have a nice kick. So they are generally used more for providing heat to a dish and not flavor.

The African Birdseye Chile, specifically the variety harvest in Uganda, is believed by many to be the hottest chile that is not a member of the legendary C. Chinense species and tips the Scoville Heat (SHU) scale at 100,000-225,000.

Where to Use

Commonly used in soups, stews, chicken dishes, hot sauces and they are a key ingredient in our top selling African blend Harissa.

Helpful Hints

Use great caution when handling this ground chile because of its heat. Do not rub your eyes or nose and be sure to wash your hands when you’re done.

Our African Birdseye Chile Powder is considered one of our hotter chile powders. Our other favorite crazy hot chile powder is the Habanero Chile Powder(125,000-300,000 SHU).

If you are a fan of whole dried chiles then you will love our deep selection.


** This product is certified kosher.

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