Tepin Pepper
About Tepin Pepper
The Tepin pepper, also known as the "chiltepin," is a small and fiery pepper that holds a significant place in the history and culture of the Sonoran Desert region of North America. Native to Sonora, Mexico, and the American Southwest, the Tepin pepper grows wild in rocky areas and can be found on hillsides and mountains throughout the region. It is a small, round, and red pepper that measures between .5 to 1.5 cm in diameter. Despite its small size, the Tepin pepper is incredibly hot, with a Scoville Heat Unit rating of 50,000 to 100,000. The Tepin pepper has a sharp, citrusy, and smoky flavor with strong peppery notes. Its heat is quick and intense, with a distinctive "burning" sensation that lingers for several minutes. The ripened Tepin peppers are harvested by hand, dried, and smoked to produce a unique flavor that is an essential ingredient in the regional cuisine of the desert Southwest. The Tepin pepper is also used in many traditional medicinal remedies by native peoples. In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, the Tepin pepper holds a significant cultural and historical significance. It is considered one of the oldest domesticated plants in the Americas and has been used ceremonially for centuries. The Tepin pepper is also believed to have played a pivotal role in the survival of native peoples during times of famine and drought. Name: Tepin Pepper Country of Origin: Mexico and the American Southwest SHU Rating: 50,000 to 100,000 Length in Inches: .5 to 1.5 cm in diameter Species/Genus: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum.