Ping-pong ball-sized fruits are piled high on a workbench. Bathed in plenty of sunlight, the habaneros are dyed bright red, and the time to ship them is fast approaching.

Bright red habaneros. Shipping preparations underway (Kyoto Habanero Village, Kyotanba Town, Kyoto Prefecture)

At Kyoto Habanero Village, an agricultural production corporation in Innai, Kyotanba-cho, Kyoto Prefecture, shipping of the Red Sabina habanero, said to be the hottest chili pepper in the world, is in full swing.

This year, harvesting began in mid-August, and the fruit is said to be better than last year, when there was little rain.

The habaneros are packed in bags and boxes and delivered to supermarkets across the country and Mexican restaurants in Kyoto City.