Japones AKA Santaka or Hontaka
Hot
Japones peppers, or Chile Japones are native to Mexico, and were later carried to Spain. The thin-skinned, cone-shaped fruit grows 2 to 3 inches long and stands upright on the plant, combining ornamental appeal with culinary versatility. They became known for their neutral flavor and sharp, clean heat that enhanced food without changing the flavor of that dish. The pepper became widely used in cuisines across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The fruit was brought Japan in the 1600s, where they were known as Santaka peppers and are commonly used in Japanese, Chinese, and Indian cuisines, including Shichimi Togarashi, Tsusemono, rayo, and essential for preparing authentic Hunan or Szechuan cuisines. They are also used to prepare Indian tadka dishes. Use them in stir-fries, sautés, sauces, Thai curries, Chutneys, and infused spicy oils, or hot vodka. Also known as Hontaka (India), Asian Hot, Yatsufusa, Tianjin chili, or Tian Tsin chili. Heirloom.
Heat level: 40,000 - 50,000 SHU
Plant height: 30 - 36 inches
Harvest: 70 - 82 days from transplant
25 seeds
Did you know? Humidity can reduce the viability of pepper seeds over time, causing seeds to stagnate. That’s why every seed pack includes a silica gel packet to help keep the seeds dry and fresh. To save seeds for next year, place the seed packet and silica gel packet together in a quart-size freezer bag, seal it, and store it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Share your pepper photos or favorite pepper recipe—and get free seeds!
Pepper photos: Please use photos on the Pequin pepper page as a guide. Submit one photo of your plant bearing fruit and another showing the pepper(s) in your hand. In return, you may choose any three seed varieties currently in stock. Exclusions apply.
Recipes: Submit your favorite pepper-dish recipe along with a photo of the finished dish and choose any three seed varieties currently in stock. Submit an authentic ethnic recipe to receive five seed packs. Exclusions apply.
Please send to: hotheadseedco@gmail.com