On Oct. 2, 2024, scientists at Oregon State University (OSU) announced the release of two mild habanero peppers known as “Notta Hotta” and “Mild Thing” that retain the peppers’ unique fruity and floral fragrances and flavors but have lower heat levels.

The two varieties are similar but have slight variations. Notta Hotta is more elongated and smoother and better adapted for a range of climates. Mild Thing has a blockier shape, rougher texture and slightly more intense flavor and is better suited for the Pacific Northwest climate.

In 2001, vegetable breeder Jim Myers at OSU received a mild habanero variety from Kevin Crosby, a fellow vegetable breeder at Texas A&M University. That pepper was accidentally crossed during a pepper variety trial at OSU. The resulting cross had desirable characteristics around color, shape, pungency and time to ripen.