Chilli Tepin

$4.95

Capsicum annuum var. Glabriusculum

  • Seed Count 10
  • Hot, Hot, Hot
  • Perennial

In stock

Description

Chilli Tepin is recognised by Botanists as the oldest known strain of the *Capsicum annuum* species with a lineage stretching back over 10,000 years. Indigenous to the arid regions of northern Mexico, Texas, and parts of Central America, it’s believed to be the wild progenitor from which the countless domesticated chilli varieties have evolved. These wild growing chillies were revered by pre-Columbian cultures like the Aztecs and Mayans, who incorporated them into rituals, medicines, and daily sustenance.

It is a perennial shrub typically reaching heights of 1.5 meters when container-grown, forming a bushy, branching plant with small, glossy green leaves. It is a low-maintenance plant, that is naturally resilient to pests and drought, a trait that aligns beautifully with our climate. A single plant can produce hundreds of tiny, vibrant red, berry-like pods in a season, each no larger than a pea.

Possessing a Scoville rating ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 units, it rivals the heat of a standard cayenne or Thai bird’s eye chili. But this isn’t a one-dimensional burn. Bite into a fresh Tepin, and you’ll first notice a bright, citrus-like tang, followed by a smoky, earthy undertone that lingers long after the initial wave of heat subsides. This complexity makes it a favourite among chefs and home cooks.

For those who crave heat with depth, the Tepin delivers and it is ideal for dishes where a little goes a long way. And while its spice level isn’t for the faint of heart, it lacks the sometimes-harsh bitterness of larger, thicker-walled chilies, offering instead a clean, sharp heat that complements rather than overpowers. In northern Mexico, they’re a staple in “salsa brava”, stirred into beans, or infused into oils for drizzling over grilled meats.

For Australian cooks, Chilli Tepin can be used fresh, dried, or pickled, their small size making them easy to incorporate into everything from seafood dishes to artisanal chocolates. Dried Tepins crumble beautifully into spice blends, adding a punch to rubs for barbecue or a kick to homemade hot sauces.

Find your Climate Zone

Method: Set seedlings
Soil Temp: 18°C - 35°C
Cool Mountain: Sep - Dec
Position: Full sun
Arid: Jul - Dec
Row Spacing: 1 m
Temperate: Aug - Dec
Planting Depth: 5mm
Sub Tropical: Aug - Mar
Harvest: 90 Days
Tropical: Apr - Jul
Frost Sensitive