Future breeder Michael Mazourek was studying at Cornell University in 2001 when he received a mysterious packet of seeds from researchers in New Mexico. The seeds were related to habanero peppers, a pepper famous for its intense burn. The twist? These particular peppers were heatlessthe result of a natural mutation in the field. And they soon became the focus of Michaels (surprisingly delicious) doctoral research. Through years of crossing, selection and DNA analysis, Michael discovered how to limit the habaneros heat while preserving its floral and melon-like flavors.The resulting Habanada is aromatic with lingering sweetness, and it defies everything weve come to expect from a pepper. You can eat them green and unripe for a potent hit of aroma, or savor the habanadas full potential as a bright orange flavor bomb. ROW 7 SEED COMPANY: Founded by Chef Dan Barber, vegetable breeder Michael Mazourek and organic seedsman Matthew Goldfarb, Row 7 is a seed company grounded in the notion that deliciousness can change the world. Row 7 pairs chefs and plant breeders to develop new varieties of vegetables and grains that make an impact in the soil and at the table, striving to make ingredients taste better before they ever hit a plate.