Capsicum frutescens
Origin: South-East Mexico from the state Tabasco
Color/s: Initially pale yellowish-green and turn yellow and orange before ripening to bright red
Scoville Heat Units (SHU): (hot) 30,000 to 50,000
Size: 1½ inches
Shape: Long, slightly plump pods with a point
Other Interesting Facts:
- Unlike most chilis, tabasco fruits grow up, rather than hanging down from their stems.
- Until recently, all of the peppers used to make the Tabasco sauce were grown on Avery Island, Louisiana.
- They are the only variety of chili pepper whose fruits are “juicy”; i.e., they are not dry on the inside