Description

Golden Teardrop – OPB Stable Variety

Plant Description

Golden Teardrop plants are compact, upright, and moderately vigorous, forming a balanced canopy. Plants set fruit consistently along the branches, typically 1–2 fruits per node, with dependable production starting in the late season and continuing until first frost. Foliage is clean, medium-green, and holds well under both warm and variable conditions. Plants have shown reliable field performance, with no notable disease sensitivity observed in OPB trials (Durham, NC in open-field conditions).

Fruit Description

Golden Teardrop produces small, elegant fruits ranging from classic teardrops to compact gem-like forms, all with a smooth, glossy exterior. Fruits mature from pale green to a vivid golden yellow at full ripeness.

Flavor & Sensory Profile

Golden Teardrop has a balanced flavor profile ideal for fresh eating and mild-heat applications:

• Flavor: 3/5 — gentle sweetness with bright, clean fruit notes
• Aroma: 3/5 — pleasant, lightly floral chinense aromatics
• Heat: 2.5/5 — moderate, quick, and friendly
• Brix: ~7.4 — above average sweetness for a small-fruited type

The combination of sweetness + moderate heat makes it versatile in both raw and cooked preparations.

Culinary & Processing Qualities

This variety excels in preparations where color, shape, and mild heat are desirable:

• fresh snacking
• mixed-color salsas
• mild-heat ferments
• whole-fruit pickling
• decorative culinary uses
• bright, golden-yellow sauces

The fruit’s stabilized morphology ensures attractive uniformity, and the golden color persists well in cooked and fermented applications.

Agronomic & Horticultural Notes

• Fruits set reliably even during fluctuating temperatures.
• Plants maintain performance in containers, raised beds, and field environments.
• The moderate vigor and compact structure make it suitable for high-density plantings or tent culture.

Breeding Notes for Future Use

Golden Teardrop serves as a strong donor for:

• vibrant golden/yellow fruit color
• small fruit morphology with a large crop
• balanced sweetness and moderate heat
• clean C. chinense aromatics
• compact plant structure

 

Released under the OPB MTA.