Pequin

Pequin peppers are native to Tabasco, Mexico, and have been cultivated there for centuries, dating back to the Aztecs. Their name comes from the Spanish word pequeño, meaning “small,” and the 1-inch fruit is closely related to Tepin peppers. Birds helped spread the seeds, and wild plants are found growing from the southwestern United States to the northern Andes. Pequin peppers deliver searing upfront heat with a complex fruity, citrusy flavor layered with earthy, nutty, and smoky notes. Green fruit tastes fresher, grassier, and mildly citrusy, while red ripe fruit develops deeper fruitiness, earthiness, and subtle smoke. Drying intensifies their natural smokiness, creating a sun-roasted, nutty wood flavor. Use Pequin peppers in salsa, soups, stews, hot sauces, and many regional ethnic cuisines. They are also used to make Cholula hot sauce. Also known as Chile Pequin, Chile Petín, Chiltepe, Chile Congo, Chile de Monte, Chile Mosquito, Mashito, TimpinChile, Chilpaya, Max’ik, and Chile Kipin depending on where they grow. Heirloom.

• Heat: Hot (50,000 - 70,000 SHU)
• Height: 24 - 48in
• Harvest: 90 - 130 days from transplant
• Pack includes 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