Tepin

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Tepin peppers are native from northern South America to southwestern North America, where they still grow wild. Their name means “flea” in Spanish, a reference to the tiny, round fruit, which measures less than a half inch in diameter. Dating back at least 10,000 years, Tepin is considered the first bird pepper and the ancestor of all hot pepper types. The fruit delivers strong, pungent heat that fades quickly, along with a bright, fruity flavor, crisp citrusy tang, tropical notes, and a slightly woodsy savoriness. Popular in Mexican cuisine and still gathered wild by many Indigenous communities. Tepin peppers are excellent in soups, stews, chili, salsas, sauces, marinades, hot vinegar, pickles, barbecue rubs, and chili flakes. Also known as Chile Tepin, Chiltepe, Chitepin, Turkey Pepper, Indian Pepper, Bird’s Eye, and Bird Pepper , depending on where they grow. Heirloom.

Heat level: 50,000 - 100,000 SHU

Plant height: 18 - 24 inches

Harvest: 100 - 110 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