Gochujang King Pepper
Capsicum annuum
Overview
The Flavor Foundation of Korean Cuisine
The Gochujang King pepper is a modern hybrid chili specifically bred for its role in traditional Korean cooking. Unlike hotter chilis, this pepper prioritizes a high fruit yield, a deep red color, and a smoky, fruity flavor profile over extreme heat. Its heat level is typically very mild, often placing it below 1,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it a "sweet heat" chili.
These plants are highly productive and have a robust, branching habit. The peppers are large, long, and relatively thin-walled, which is ideal for drying quickly and efficiently. The unique flavor depth of this variety is what gives homemade gochugaru (chili powder) and gochujang (fermented chili paste) their authentic taste.
Drying and Processing
The thin skin of the Gochujang King is a major benefit for processing. They must be fully ripened to a brilliant red before harvest to maximize color and flavor concentration for drying.
General Grow Information
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SHU Rating (Scoville) | 500 – 1,500 |
| Use | Gochujang Paste, Fermentation |
| Plant Height | 30-36 in |
| Plant Spacing | 24 in |
| Row Spacing | 36 in |
| Sunlight Needs | Full Sun (8+ hours) |
| Sprouting Time | 7-14 days |
📜 Plant Folklore & Mythology
Discover the history and lore associated with Gochujang King Pepper:
- Chili Pepper: Love, Lust, and Fidelity
- Chili Pepper: Spiritual Cleansing and Sacrifice
- Chili Pepper: Warding Off the Evil Eye
- Chili Pepper: Pepper as Punishment
- Chili Pepper: From the Gods' Garden
- Chili Pepper: The Divine Fire
- Chili Pepper: Trials of the Tongue
Interested in plant mythology and cultural history? Explore our full Folklore Index
Plant Care and Cultivation
- Maximize Red Color: For best flavor and color, allow peppers to stay on the plant until they are fully ripened to a deep, brilliant red. Harvesting when green sacrifices the depth of flavor needed for pastes and powders.
- Consistent Watering: Maintain even soil moisture. While some peppers tolerate drought, keeping the plant healthy ensures high yield for processing.
- Phosphorus Boost: Peppers benefit from a fertilizer that supports fruit production (high P and K) after flowering begins. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which leads to bushy plants but fewer peppers.
- Harvesting for Drying: After turning red, pick on a sunny day when the fruit is dry. For drying, remove the stem and cut the pepper in half lengthwise to speed up the process.