Tabasco
What Is Tabasco?
Tabasco is a historic, iconic variety best known as the main ingredient in the world-famous Tabasco sauce. It has a thin, juicy pod with strong heat and a clear acidity.
Background and Name
The variety originates in Mexico but became famous through the Louisiana-based McIlhenny Company, which has made Tabasco sauce since 1868. It is a unique chilli in that the pods are very juicy and contain more liquid than most other varieties.
Appearance and Growth Habit
The plant is vigorous and compact, about 80–100 cm tall. The pods grow upwards, are about 4 cm long and ripen from light green to yellow, orange and finally bright red. It bears plenty of fruit over a long period.
How Hot Is Tabasco?
Around 30,000–50,000 SHU
Flavour and Uses
The flavour is fruity and vinegary with a clear acidity. It is used above all for sauce-making, but also works very well fresh or dried. The heat is penetrating but not too brutal.
Ways to Use Tabasco
Grow your own Tabasco pods and ferment them into homemade sauce! They are also excellent in marinades or for giving pickles some sting.
How to Grow Tabasco
Tabasco is a Capsicum frutescens, which means a longer development time, and it should be sown between December and February. It does best in a greenhouse, where it can stay for a long time and develop. The plant needs plenty of light and regular feeding.
Price is for 6 chilli seeds
Sow in moist seed compost and keep warm, at about 25–30°C for the best germination. The compost should be moist but not wet. A mini propagator helps to keep the humidity up. Once the seedlings have grown a little and have their second pair of leaves, you can lower the temperature to about 20°C and move them out of the propagator. They do well on a sunny windowsill, in a greenhouse and outdoors in summer. For best results, soak the seeds in Growhelper for 12–24 hours before sowing.
