Pequin pepper

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iPequin
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Subclass: Asteridae Order: Solanales Family: Solanaceae Genus: Capsicum Species: C. annuum Subspecies: C. a. var. glabriusculum chilipiquin
Trinomial name
Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum chilipiquin

Heat : Hot (SR: 30,000-60,000)

Pequin pepper (or "Piquin") is a hot chile pepper, also known as "bird pepper", that is commonly used as a spice.

Pequin has a compact habit growing typically 0.3 - 0.6 meters tall, with bright green, ovate leaves and small fruits that rarely exceed 2 cm in length. Like most chiles, fruits start out green, ripening to brilliant red at maturity. Pequin peppers are very hot, often 7-8 times hotter than jalapeños on the Scoville scale (30,000-60,000 units). Flavor is described as citrusy, smoky, and nutty.

Other common names (and possible misnomers) of this plant are pinhead pepper, chile petin, chile pequin, piquin, chiltepin and chile mosquito.

Common uses include pickling, salsas and sauces, soups, and vinegars. The popular Cholula brand hot sauce lists Pequin peppers and red peppers among its ingredients.

[edit] Reference

Miller, Mark (1991). The Great Chile Book. Berkeley, California, USA: Ten Speed Press, 124-125. ISBN 0898154286.