Chiltepin Pepper

The Chiltepin pepper is a small but mighty pepper that packs a serious punch. Also known as the “bird’s eye” pepper, this tiny pepper hails from Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. The pepper is usually only about 1/4 inch in diameter, which makes it one of the smallest peppers in the world.

Despite its small size, the Chiltepin pepper is incredibly hot. In fact, it is one of the hottest peppers in the world, with a Scoville rating of between 50,000 and 100,000. This makes it even hotter than the popular jalapeño pepper, which ranks between 2,500 and 8,000 on the Scoville scale.

The Chiltepin pepper is a member of the Capsicum annuum species, which also includes many other popular chili peppers like the bell pepper and the cayenne pepper. However, the Chiltepin has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other chili peppers. It has a smoky, slightly fruity taste that gives way to an intense heat that can make your mouth feel like it’s on fire.

The Chiltepin is commonly found growing wild in parts of Mexico, and it has been used for centuries in traditional Mexican cooking. The small pepper is usually dried and crushed into flakes, which are used to season everything from tacos and enchiladas to salsas and soups.