Re: [CH] Open Fields 2006
Brent Thompson (brent@hplbct.hpl.hp.com)
Wed, 04 Jan 2006 09:20:02 -0800
> Well in my humble understanding Rocoto is not the same as Manzano, but is
> the same family. Whey do I dear to say this.... well, I've been growing
> both very successful, and as far as I know is that Rocoto has a peer shape
> and Manzano apple shape. Plus I can tell there is also a slightly
> different taste and quit a bit in heat.
'rocoto' is the name used in Peru for fruits of Capsicum pubescens.
'chile manzano' is the name used in Mexico and perhaps parts of Central
America for fruits of Capsicum pubescens. [And, I believe :-), I have
read this plant was introduced there no more than 100-150 years ago.]
The two are synonymous.
I have seen large bins of chile manzano in our local Hispanic markets from
time to time (often labelled 'habanero', but that's another humorous story
that's been discussed on chile-heads list before), and they just don't look
any different than 'rotoco': some are more rounded, some more elongated or
blocky, some have almost indiscernible neck, and same is true of rocoto
fruits, especially between different selections. Being a domesticated
chile species, local selection preferences by humans obviously have a big
effect on things like size, shape, color, or whatever traits those local
humans decide to select for, and you'd expect any crop raised from a single
line of seed on average to exhibit characteristics typical of that line.
If you grow many different selections of rocoto, you will see considerable
range of variation in their shapes, color, pungency, flesh thickness, etc.
The important thing is, whenever you come across a line with traits you
prefer, that is one you should concentrate on perpetuating undiminished,
and growing more of for yourself.
--- Brent