Siling Haba: The Mild Filipino Chili Pepper

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Siling haba, also known as “long chili”, “finger chili”, or “Tagalog chili”, is a type of chili pepper common in the Philippines.

It is a member of the Capsicum annuum species, and is characterized by its long, thin shape and bright green color.

Siling haba peppers are relatively mild in terms of spiciness, making them a popular choice in various Filipino dishes.

What is siling haba

A siling haba pepper can grow to 7 inches (18cm) and can be recognized by its bright green color.

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Siling haba is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Some popular dishes that make use of this chili pepper include sinigang (a sour soup), adobo (a stewed dish), and kaldereta (a meat stew).

Siling haba is also often used as a condiment, added to dishes such as rice or noodles.

How do you prepare siling haba?

There are numerous ways to prepare siling haba peppers. One common method is to simply slice the peppers lengthwise, and then sauté them with other ingredients. This is often done with adobo dishes, for example.

What’s the origin of siling haba?

Siling haba is native to the Philippines and can grow due to the climate and soil found there.

The chili pepper is believed to have been introduced to the country during the 16th century, when Spanish explorers colonized the Philippines.

Siling haba quickly became a popular ingredient in Filipino cuisine due to its versatility and relatively mild spiciness.

When growing siling haba, it is important to water the plants regularly. Water the young chili plants every morning, and be careful not to overwater to avoid soil-borne fungal diseases.

Allow the soil to dry before watering again. Transplant the seedlings when at least three to four true leaves emerge.

Is siling haba healthy?

Yes, siling haba is a healthy chili pepper that is low in calories and fat. Additionally, it contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium.

Furthermore, capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their spiciness, has been shown to have a variety of health benefits.

Conclusion

Siling haba is a great pepper to work with due to its mild flavor.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.