Packin Heat
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Capsicum frutescens

Duke Pequin

Landrace United States
Scoville Heat Units 50,000
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About this pepper

Duke Pequin is a semi-wild Capsicum frutescens pepper maintained in cultivation at Duke University in the United States since at least the 1970s. It was originally labelled as an annuum-type accession, but plant structure, flower form, and fruiting behaviour align with Capsicum frutescens and closely resemble Tabasco-type peppers.

Plants can develop a woody, tree-like form over time, reaching heights of more than 2 metres with trunk diameters exceeding 4 centimetres in older specimens. Fruits are produced in clusters and are small, elongated, and upright, resembling narrow candle shapes.

Flowers are small with greenish-white corollas and dark anthers and may appear in pairs on vigorous shoots. The pods deliver strong heat, commonly around 50,000 Scoville Heat Units, with a flavour similar to Tabasco. Duke Pequin is used fresh, frozen, or processed into sauces and powders and is valued for its longevity, productivity, and genetic interest.