Jukka “Fatalii” Kilpinen
Location: Finland
Known For: Founder of Fatalii.net; preservation and distribution of rare chilies; creator of ornamental and culinary chili varieties
Jukka Kilpinen, known globally by his alias “Fatalii”, is one of the most respected and prolific figures in the international chili pepper community. Based in Finland, Jukka has spent over two decades preserving, cataloging, and distributing hundreds of rare chili pepper varieties from around the world. He is best known as the founder of Fatalii.net, an influential website and seed bank that has served as a gateway to rare, heirloom, and wild chili peppers since the early 2000s.
Kilpinen began his work with chilies in the 1990s, driven by a passion for both the culinary and horticultural aspects of Capsicum. What started as a personal collection eventually evolved into a major online resource, with Fatalii.net offering seeds, growing advice, flavor profiles, and educational materials. His work has helped introduce and preserve dozens of wild chili species (like Capsicum baccatum, pubescens, and chinense) and regional varieties from Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia that might otherwise have remained unknown to Western growers.
While he is not primarily a superhot breeder, Kilpinen has created several ornamental and culinary cultivars — many featuring striking colors, compact growth, and fruity flavor — including the Fatalii Gourmet Jigsaw, Fatalii White, and Fatalii Gourmet Lava. He is also known for promoting and refining the bright yellow Fatalii pepper, an African-origin C. chinense variety known for its citrusy heat.
Beyond seeds, Kilpinen is a prolific educator. He has written books, conducted workshops, and run a chili-themed “experience center” in Finland to teach visitors about the history, genetics, and flavor of peppers.
Notable Creations & Contributions:
- Fatalii (bright yellow citrusy chili)
- Fatalii Gourmet Jigsaw, Fatalii Gourmet Lava, Fatalii White, and other crosses
- Founder of www.fatalii.net – one of the earliest and most comprehensive online chili databases
- Advocate for heirloom, wild, and rare chili conservation
Legacy:
Jukka “Fatalii” Kilpinen is both a collector and a creator — someone whose work has preserved the biodiversity of chili peppers while nurturing a global community of growers. His commitment to education, open-source knowledge, and plant preservation has made him a foundational voice in the world of chilies.
Sources / References
- www.fatalii.net – Official website and seed catalog
- Interviews with Jukka Kilpinen on chili forums and Scandinavian food media
- YouTube: Fatalii channel and educational videos
- Chili Grower’s Handbook (authored by Kilpinen)
- Global Capsicum conservation and plant diversity communities