Tabasco Pepper

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Cultivated as annual

Biocultural value

From Tobasco, Mexico this extremely hot pepper is the signature ingredient in the famous Louisiana hot sauce.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Pinetree Garden Seeds

Description

This pepper was imported to the US from Tabasco, Mexico in 1846. Eventually it made its way to Avery Island, Louisiana where the McIlhenny family used it in a hot sauce that has become so renowned that the word "Tabasco" is now used as a synonym for hot sauce. As you would expect it is very hot, Number 10 on the hotness scale. Plants are just a bit over a foot tall and covered with 2 inch long tapered fruit.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

food