Shishimai is a type of shishito pepper known for its bright green color and small, bite-sized shape. It offers a mild heat with a bold, pepper-forward flavor. For the best taste, it’s harvested while still green, before it ripens to red. The name comes from Japanese tradition - “Shishi” means lion and “Mai” means dance. Shishimai is a ceremonial lion dance performed during New Year celebrations, where the lion is believed to bring good luck, health, and success by playfully “biting” participants. The name also reflects the pepper’s appearance, as the two split ends of the pepper resemble a lion with its mouth open.
 
Scoville heat units (SHU): 50 – 200
Median heat (SHU): 125
Jalapeño reference point: 13 to 160 times milder
Capsicum species: Annuum
Origin: Japan
Use: Culinary
Size: Approximately 2 to 4 inches long, bulbous (sometimes, at end of pepper)
Flavor: Sweet, Grassy, Citrusy, Smoky