Pequin – small but legendarily hot
What defines Pequin
Pequin is one of the smallest chillies there is – but don’t let the size fool you. These small, oval pods pack real heat and a complex, fruity flavour that makes them a sought-after ingredient in Mexican cooking.
Background and name
The name “Pequin” comes from the Spanish word pequeño, meaning “small”. Despite its size it is highly valued in Latin America, especially in northern Mexico and southern Texas, where it is used both fresh and dried. It is also one of the wild chilli species thought to have been among the first to be domesticated.
Appearance and growth habit
Pequin plants grow up to 1 metre tall and bushy, with many small, densely set pods. The pods are about 1–2 cm long, ripen from green to deep red and often grow upwards. They are thin-skinned and dry easily.
Estimated Scoville heat
Approx. 40,000–60,000 SHU
Flavour and uses
Pequin is intensely hot with a smoky undertone and clearly fruity notes. It is often used in sauces and pickles, or crushed over tacos and grilled food. It has a clean heat that lingers without overwhelming the flavour.
Ways to use Pequin
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Crush over pizza, tacos or grilled food
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Use in Mexican vinaigrettes
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Dry and grind into a smoky chilli powder
How to grow Pequin
Pequin belongs to Capsicum annuum. Sow your chilli seeds between February and April. It is hardy but grows somewhat more slowly than other annuum varieties. Put it in a sunny spot and give it room to spread out – the harvest arrives in plenty towards late summer.
The price is for 6 chilli seeds
Sow in moist seed compost and keep warm, at about 25–30 °C for best germination. The compost should be moist but not wet. A propagator helps to keep the environment humid. Once the seedlings have grown a little and developed their second pair of leaves, you can lower the temperature to about 20 °C and move them out of the propagator. They thrive on a sunny windowsill, or in a greenhouse and outdoors in summer. For best results, soak the seeds in Growhelper for 12–24 hours before sowing.
