Platanito Pepper

Also known as Platanito · Chile Platanito · Platanito Chile

The Platanito Pepper is a regional name for a hot chile cultivar from Tabasco, Mexico, closely related to or identical with the Tabasco pepper, featuring small upright pods used in hot sauces.

Growing

~80 days to maturity

Fruit size

3–5 cm

Flavor & Use

Fruity and tangy with intense heat, typical of Tabasco-type peppers.

fruitytangyspicysharpjuicy

Culinary

hot saucesTabasco saucepepper vinegarMexican dishespicklinginfused vinegarssalsas

About

Platanito Pepper refers to a hot chile variety or regional synonym used in parts of Tabasco, Mexico, for peppers of the Capsicum frutescens species. These small, tapered fruits grow upright on the plant rather than hanging down, starting pale green or yellowish and ripening to bright red. They measure approximately 3-5 cm in length and have a thin-walled structure. The heat level is significant, making them suitable for sauces, vinegars, and spicy Mexican dishes. The name 'platanito' likely derives from their curved shape resembling small plantains. Plants are vigorous, reaching up to 1.5 meters in height, and require warm temperatures and full sun to thrive. This pepper is traditionally processed into Tabasco-style hot sauces and peppered vinegars. Its flavor profile includes fruity and tangy notes alongside the intense heat. Due to its regional naming, it shares characteristics with the standard Tabasco cultivar, including high productivity and adaptability to various climates.

Backstory

Platanito is a regional name used in Tabasco, Mexico, for a hot chile variety resembling the Tabasco pepper, likely due to its small curved shape similar to plantains. It is part of local chile nomenclature alongside names like milpero and tabaquero.

Appearance

ShapeSmall tapered upright
ColorPale yellowish-green · Yellow · Orange · Bright red
Size3–5 cm
WallThin
SkinSmooth

Growing

SunFull
WaterModerate
ClimateTropical/subtropical
Days to maturity80 days
Plant height60–150 cm
Soil pH5.5–7
Germination7–14 days
Spacing45 cm
HardinessZones 9-11

Heritage

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

Sources