Tabasco Pepper

Spice

The Tabasco Pepper is a vibrant, small chili variety known for its bold color range — from green to yellow-orange to bright red — and its sharp, vinegar-friendly heat. It’s the signature pepper used in the world-famous Tabasco® hot sauce, celebrated for its tangy flavor and medium-to-high spice level.

Quick Facts:

Type: Fruit (botanically) / Vegetable (culinarily)

Scientific name: Capsicum frutescens

Variety: Tabasco

Color: Green → orange → red (ripens through color stages)

Shape: Small, slender pods (2–4 cm)

Average Scoville Heat Units (SHU): 30,000–50,000

Flavor & Heat Profile:

Flavor: Tangy, slightly smoky, and fruity with a clean burn

Heat: Medium-hot — sharper than cayenne, milder than habanero

Aroma: Fresh and slightly acidic

Culinary Uses:

Hot sauces: The key ingredient in traditional Louisiana-style sauces

Cooking: Adds spice to soups, stews, and stir-fries

Pickling: Excellent for preserving whole peppers in vinegar

Drying: Can be ground into pepper flakes or powder

Fermentation: Ideal for chili mash or sauce bases

Nutritional Highlights:

High in vitamin C and antioxidants

Contains capsaicin, promoting metabolism and heart health

Low-calorie and naturally fat-free

Farming & Growth Notes:

Region: Reedley, California

Plant type: Compact bush, high-yielding

Growing season: 80–100 days

Ideal conditions: Warm temperatures and full sunlight

Harvest stage: Picked at multiple color stages for varied flavor