A chilli grown in Soweto found fame this week and was added to the international Ark of Taste, after Slow Food Founder and UN Special Ambassador Carlo Petrini encountered it on a visit to Joburg.

The Ark of Taste is an international catalogue of endangered heritage foods, which is maintained by the global Slow Food movement. It lists species and products that are unique to a country and should be protected.

Grown by farmer Phila Cele, the Chilli of Soweto is a cross between jalapeño and cayenne varieties. It’s reportedly very hot, but has a very smooth aftertaste that lingers for a substantial amount of time on the palate. Its unique flavour is also credited to the soil in which it grows; Phila is a passionate follower of permaculture growing principles.

Carlo Petrini with Phila Cele and Geoff Green. Photo by Malcolm Drummond

“We have never had such recognition before, particularly on a global stage. Our customers know that we produce a top-class product but this honour from Slow Food has been amazing. My team and I are delighted,” said Phila, who holds a BSc in Microbiology and an Honours in plant biotech from Wits.

He produces nearly 200kgs of chilli a week during season, on a piece of land the size of a football field in Phiri, Soweto. The chillies are harvested and sold green, and Phila also makes a small quantity of chilli sauce from each harvest.

If you’d like to get a taste of the Chilli of Soweto, head to the Slow Food Soweto Eat-In and Food Conference on 3 September at the Soweto Theatre. R20 will get you entry to the food market and conference.