Hot pepper 'Serrano Huasteca' organic
identification
description
Organic 'Serrano Huasteca' hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) from the seed company Gaia, an authentic and spicy Mexican flavor
The 'Serrano Huasteca' chile pepper is a Mexican heirloom variety , known for its powerful flavor and intense heat . Native to the hilly Huasteca regions , it is especially prized in traditional Mexican cuisine , including spicy salsas and pico de gallo . Its dark green fruits, 2 to 2.5 inches (5-6 cm), are crisp and flavorful , even in mild summers. They take longer than other early varieties to ripen and turn red , but their complex, well-developed flavor is worth the wait.
Did you know?
With an intensity of 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Units (SHU) , the Serrano Huasteca pepper is hotter than the Jalapeño , but less so than hot peppers such as the Cayenne. It is often eaten fresh , as its intense, fruity flavor is better distinguished before drying.
Spread: Erect and productive port
Plant height: 60 to 90 cm
Quantity per pack: ± 25 seeds
Companion plants: Alliums, basil, tomato, spinach, oregano, marjoram, nasturtium, marigold
Enemy plants: Beans, brassicas, fennel
Scoville Scale (SHU): 2,500 - 8,000
Cultivation method
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out . Maintain a temperature of 27-31°C for rapid and uniform germination (7-21 days). Harden off plants gradually to 18-19°C before transplanting into the ground or pots. Plant 0.5 cm (1/4") deep , spacing plants 30-45 cm (12-18") apart and rows 60-75 cm (24-30") apart. It appreciates full sun and well-drained soil , with moderate watering .
Harvesting and storage
Harvest the peppers when they reach their final color (dark green or red depending on your preference) . Regular picking stimulates production . Store them at 10-12°C , with a relative humidity of 95% , to maximize their conservation .
Ideas for use in the garden and kitchen
- Add it fresh to Mexican salsas for an authentic touch.
- Grill or roast it to reveal its smoky aromas.
- Chop it finely into a pico de gallo to spice up your tacos.
- Dry it and grind it into powder for a spicy homemade seasoning.
