South Devon Chilli Farm: Meet the Producers

From organic vegetables to fine wines, Devon is bursting with tasty goodness. Thanks to the wonderful rural landscape, fertile soil and mild weather this county is home to a surprising number of food and drink producers, including South Devon Chilli Farm.

When it comes to national recognition, few can match the South Devon Chilli Farm. What started in 2003 as a back garden hobby has grown and blossomed into a company whose goods are sold across the country. Receiving the praise of top chef’s including Jamie Oliver.

We took some time to have a chat with the folks down on the farm and find out what makes Devon, and the South Devon Chilli Farm, so special.

South Devon Chilli Farm: Meet the Producers

Use our quick links to navigate to a particular topic or read on for our full interview with South Devon Chilli Farm.

• How did the South Devon Chilli Farm begin?
• How did the business grow so rapidly?
• What sets South Devon Chilli Farm apart from other chilli producers in the UK?
• What is a chilli’s lifecycle, from seed to tasty product?
• Your chilli chocolate is particularly famous, do you make the chocolate on site?
• Was chilli chocolate an existing variation? Where did it originate from?
• What are your best-selling products?
• If someone wanted to grow chillies at home, is it straightforward? Can you offer any hints?
• Is the South Devon climate conducive to chilli growing?
• What would be your recommendations for things to do when holidaying in South Devon?

How did the South Devon Chilli Farm begin?

When Steve (one of the original owners) had a glut of fruit from his greenhouse we began to experiment with different recipes for preserving the chillies.

We booked a stall at a farmer’s market to see if anyone would be interested and had an immediate positive response. We soon realised there was a widespread growing fascination with chillies across the UK.

How did the business grow so rapidly?

Around the time we started, organic food and “buying local” were movements growing in popularity. We were able to offer products made without artificial additives, made in small batches to retain a home cooked flavour. All produced locally, with low food miles.

We were lucky to find local polytunnels to rent and a few years later, another local farmer supported us by agreeing to sell us 10 acres of farmland. We built our own polytunnels, a production kitchen and storage facility.

We are very proud that our products are now available across the UK and Europe, stocked in over 600 farm shops and delis. Click here to find your nearest stockist.

What sets South Devon Chilli Farm apart from other chilli producers in the UK?

As producers who do everything, “from seed to sauce,” we like to think we are “the original and best!” We have managed to increase our production but maintain the natural flavour of our products and we still cook in small batches.

We have always maintained our focus on the flavour of the chilli, rather than the heat, and we have refrained from using chilli extracts.

The South Devon Chilli Farm is normally open all year round but at present it is closed to the public. The show tunnel looks stunning in the summer, boasting the largest collection of chilli plants on display in the UK.

What is a chilli’s life cycle, from seed to tasty product?

We sow seeds each year in February. The plants are then nurtured until they are ready to go into the ground in the polytunnels, around April/May.

We then pick chilli fruits from May to November. The chillies are stored by freezing, drying, pickling, or cooking straight into products.

Your chilli chocolate is particularly famous. Do you make the chocolate on site?

Yes, our chilli chocolate is very popular. It has a lovely warming heat and an unusual but delicious combination of flavours.

Here at South Devon Chilli Farm, we make all our chocolate on-site. We buy in high quality Belgian chocolate buttons, which we melt and temper. We then add a little of our secret chilli mixture and any extra ingredients such as orange oil or honeycomb pieces.

Was chilli chocolate an existing chocolate variation? Where did it originate from?

We love Mexican food and had read about the Aztecs use of chillies and chocolate. So thought we would try our own variation. We also borrowed the idea for Chilli Drinking Chocolate from the Aztecs to make a delicious warming drink.

We will try adding chilli to most things! You never know, most things can be pepped up with a little chilli heat.

What are your best-selling products?

Our chilli jam is one of our best-sellers, not too hot but quite addictive. Our chilli chocolates are also a big favourite as well as our Hot Habanero Sauce.

Finally, as our customers get to love the chilli ‘hit’ our extreme range is becoming more popular.

If someone wanted to grow some chillies at home, is it straightforward? Can you offer any hints?

Chillies are pretty easy to grow at home. You must keep them warm and not over water them (they don’t like sitting in water).

On our online shop we sell growing kits that provide you with everything you need to get growing!

Is the South Devon climate conducive to chilli growing?

We have found the South Devon climate great for chillies. However, they still prefer to be in a polytunnel or greenhouse to protect them from wind and rain, giving them a little extra warmth.

The winter frosts tend to kill off the plants, which is why we sow fresh seeds each year.

What would be your recommendations for things to do when holidaying in South Devon?

There are many lovely beaches on the South Devon coast – our favourites are Bantham and Bigbury-on-sea. For the thrill-seekers you could try your hand at sailing on the Salcombe estuary or try a variety of other water sports.

If you are into foodie things, then Sharpham Vineyard is a great place to visit for cheese and wine tasting. As well as Quercus Brewery and Aune Valley butchers.

For lovely local walks, we recommend Blackdown Rings, Topsham Bridge, Loddiswell Woods and Andrews Wood.

South Devon Holidays

If you’d like to experience the South Devon climate then why not book a stay in one of our South Devon cottages.

Explore the beautiful local area and then tuck into a pot of chilli jam made by local producers South Devon Chilli Farm.

Visit our website to view our full collection of South Devon properties or give our locally based team a call and we will be happy to help you find the perfect property.

View our South Devon Holiday Cottages