Tepin Chile Pepper

(Chiltepin; Bird pepper) Small pea-sized red pepper thought to be the ancestor of the cultivated Capsicum annuum peppers. Evidence indicates it has been consumed by humans as far back as 7,500 BC. It is still a popular tradition in Mexico to gather them in the sierras. They can be dried like peppercorns or used fresh in salsa. Ripens to a brilliant red colour and packs serious concentrated heat. Heat: 50,000-100,000 Scoville units.