Recently a local Mount Isa miner attended the 2018 prestigious Mr. Chilli awards held in New Zealand.

Bing’s Peppers owner Stephen Bingham is passionate about all things chilli.

“I’m a keen gardener – I don’t mind a chilli or two in fact I now have over 400 plants and about 240 different varieties growing in my backyard,” Mr Bingham said.

“We’ve traced our family recipe back to 150 years ago and through out that time slight modifications and development has improved the taste and texture of the sauces.”

Chillies are judged in five categories aroma, color, consistency, taste and aftertaste.

Mr Bingham won first for his Medium strength Chilli Honey BBQ Sauce and second place in the Best of the Best Tomato category with his Chilli Tomato Sauce.  

But if that’s not enough to set your taste buds alight the humble part-time chilli sauce maker also took out first and second place in the category of Worcestershire with his medium and hot chilli sauces.

Mr Bingham said there were some big companies from around Australia and New Zealand who competed in the awards.

“Melbourne Hot Sauce and The Chilli Factory were a couple of big businesses – I think there were about 30-40 entrants all up.”

“It’s so great to get recognition for something I love to do,” he said.

Bing’s Peppers will be attending the Isa Street Festival this year.

“We had a chilli cook-off last year and I made Coney Island Chilli Dogs.

“I made a mild batch and a hot batch for those a little more adventurous.

“This year’s idea is under wraps at the moment,” he said.

Mr Bingham makes chilli powders, jams, condiments and preserves the seeds as well.

He has a mentor who is a valuable asset to his start-up business.

“He’s a horticulturist, who is very knowledgeable and he helps with the irrigation.”