Topic: Edible or not, please help! Chilli Plant

[GrowingChillis]

Hi

I have bought a chilli plant from a market,
the guy told me that his carribean friend gave him the plants and they were straight from the carribean!
and that his friend eats these chillis.

I am sure he wud have said anything 2 sell me a plant, so can anyone tell me ...

a)how to tell difference between edible and non-edible chilli's?

b)are non-edible chillis poisonous?

click link below to see the picture
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e115/spavin/e6725abc.jpg

[redimp]

Don't think ornamental chilis are poisonous 0- just been bred for what they look like and not flavour.  I would try a chilli and see 0- don't think it is going to kill you.

PS I am John Smith and I live in Edinburgh should the worst happen ;D

[Mrs Ava]

It does look like one of those ornamental ones you can pick up at the garden centre to use like bedding - however, I grew one last year - I think it was called Bolivian rainbow, and it didn't look that different to your piccy.  As RC says, I have never heard of poisonous chillis......but don't quote me!!

[amphibian]

As far as I am aware you can eat ornamentals, and they are often very hot. But as others have said don't quote me on it.

[MonsterMum]

I've got one like  which I only bought for it's ornamtental value, as we don't eat chillies.  I researched it (I also bought from a market and the lady didn't have a clue) and came to the conclusion that it is a Bolivian Rainbow.  Apparently these are perfectly edible, however they are VERY, VERY hot!

[GrowingChillis]

hi

thanks for your replies

I am glad to hear that it is unlikely to be poisonous!

If they are very hot then thats brilliant! I love hot chillis

I posted the picture on the bbc forum and someone gave me this link-

http://www.edibleornamentals.co.uk/html/plants_and_plug_plants_5.html

I am 99% sure it is the plant from the link above.

I have seen people selling bolivian rainbow seeds on the net, they look quite

interesting, but I am not sure it is the same as mine.

I will give one of the chillis a try tomorrow so if I dont post again, thanks!

 :)