Lantern Pepper (Denglongjiao)
A medium-heat whole chilli with balanced colour, aroma and flavour — the standard for dry-pot, hot-pot and food service where the chilli must stay visible.
What is lantern pepper?
Lantern pepper (denglongjiao) is a medium-heat chilli grown on a compact plant roughly 1–1.2 m tall. Its name comes from the lantern-like pod. The variety's appeal is balance — colour, aroma and flavour in proportion — which is why it is a workhorse for dishes where the whole chilli is a visible ingredient. See our whole dried chillies page for form options.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Heat (SHU) | 10,000 – 20,000 (medium) |
| Region | Shandong, Hebei |
| Fruit type | Lantern-shaped pod, 1–1.2 m plant |
| Best for | Dry-pot, hot-pot, visible whole chilli |
What is lantern pepper used for?
- Dry-pot and hot-pot dishes
- Food service (visible whole chilli)
- Retail and grocery packs
- Braised and stewed dishes
Lantern vs Jinta: whole pod or flake
Lantern and Jinta are both medium-heat, but they solve different problems. Lantern is bought whole for dishes where the pod must stay visible and balanced — dry-pot and hot-pot. Jinta is bought for flakes and colour, where the long glossy red skin is the point. Choose lantern when the whole chilli is part of the presentation; choose Jinta when the chilli is processed into flakes or powder.
How to specify lantern pepper
Name the variety, then the size grade and moisture. Lantern pepper is almost always supplied whole, so the grade — pod size, de-stemmed or stem-on — matters more than mesh. Confirm under 13% moisture and your size tolerance, since presentation is the point of choosing it.
Heat values are representative per variety. Confirm your exact grade and moisture when you inquire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lantern pepper?
Lantern pepper (denglongjiao) is a medium heat chilli with balanced colour, aroma and flavour, often used whole in dry-pot and hot-pot dishes. It is prized for its visual presence and rounded flavour rather than extreme heat.
How hot is lantern pepper?
Lantern pepper is medium heat — in the 10,000–20,000 SHU range typical of whole-chilli varieties like Jinta and facing-heaven. It is chosen for balance and appearance, not for strong heat.
What is lantern pepper used for?
Lantern pepper is used whole in dry-pot and hot-pot dishes, food service and retail packs where the chilli must stay visible. Its balanced colour, aroma and flavour make it a versatile whole-chilli choice.