# Pequín

Also known as Chile Pequin, Piquín.
Species: Capsicum annuum.

Pequín is a Capsicum annuum cultivar from Tabasco, Mexico and widespread wild across Mexico/Central America, Mexico. Capsi’s sourced range is 2,101–97,000 SHU (Lab-verified; typical 29,485). Flavor is smoky, fruity, nutty, floral, clean heat. Used for hot sauces, salsas, pickled peppers, vinegar infusions, spice blends. Heat is a range, not a single marketing number.

## Heat sources

- 97,000 SHU · Lab-verified
  Paul W. Bosland and Jaime Iglesias (1992) HortScience 27(8):941-942 · HPLC
  DOI: 10.21273/HORTSCI.27.8.941
  https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.27.8.941

- 2,101–20,693 SHU · Lab-verified
  Díaz-Sánchez D.D., López-Sánchez H., Silva-Rojas H.V., Gardea-Béjar A.A., Cruz-Huerta N., Ramírez-Ramírez I., González-Hernández V.A. (2021) Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research 81(4):546-556 · HPLC
  DOI: 10.4067/S0718-58392021000400546
  https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-58392021000400546

- 4,513–55,781 SHU · Lab-verified
  Díaz-Sánchez D.D., López-Sánchez H., Silva-Rojas H.V., Gardea-Béjar A.A., Cruz-Huerta N., Ramírez-Ramírez I., González-Hernández V.A. (2021) Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research 81(4):546-556 · HPLC
  DOI: 10.4067/S0718-58392021000400546
  https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-58392021000400546

- 30,000–50,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Chile Pequin Pepper Seeds
  https://pepperjoe.com/products/chile-pequin-bird-pepper-seeds

- 30,000–60,000 SHU · Vendor Claim
  Chili Pequin Pepper
  https://www.threshseed.com/products/chili-pequin-pepper

## Heritage

We don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.

Peppers bred from Pequín:
- [KS Super Pequin](https://web.thecapsi.app/pepper/ks-super-pequin)

## Page sources

- [Botanical details, origin, SHU range, uses](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pequin_pepper)
- [Flavor profile, heat comparison, culinary tips](https://pepperscale.com/pequin-pepper/)
- [Appearance, nutrition hints, applications, seasonality](https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Pequin_Chile_Peppers_13998.php)
- [Origin specifics (Tabasco), flavor, uses in dishes](https://spicesinc.com/blogs/what-are-pequin-peppers)
- [Growing conditions, habitat, native plant info (related Texas populations)](https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=caan4)
- [2024 scientific paper on nutraceutical variation and capsaicinoids in piquín](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11057463/)

## FAQ
### How hot is Pequín?

Capsi’s sourced range is 2,101–97,000 SHU (Lab-verified; typical 29,485). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat

### What does Pequín taste like?

Smoky, fruity, and nutty with bright floral notes and a clean, intense heat that lingers. Despite the tiny size, the flavor is surprisingly complex.

### How do I grow Pequín?

Pequín: about 100 days to maturity, subtropical climate, full to partial sun, hardiness zones 8-11.

### What can I substitute for Pequín?

chile de árbol, cayenne

Page: https://web.thecapsi.app/pepper/pequin
Catalog: https://web.thecapsi.app/data