[1] The pepper was thought to be extinct for the better part of the 20th century until the rediscovery of fifty year-old seeds in an African American family's freezer.

[2] Due to urbanization, fish peppers declined in popularity during the early 20th century, eventually disappearing from restaurant menus, marketplaces and the catalogs of seed vendors.

Since their resurrection, the fish pepper has regained its former popularity and is readily available from seed websites and once again sees regular use in dishes at Mid-Atlantic restaurants.

The plants have striking white and green mottled leaves, making the variety as valued as an ornamental in landscaping as it is in the kitchen for its unusual fruits.

[12] As they grow, the fruit's color varies greatly, progressing from a creamy white albinism to a deep blood red when mature.