Locally known as in Spanish ‘arrebatado’, Tepin Chile is a famous chile in northern Mexico; ‘arrebatado’ means “rapid”, referring to the pepper’s immediate spice that quickly diminishes. 

The round, berry-like, small spice has a long, rich history along with the United States and Mexico border as it is found growing naturally on nearby mountainsides and in canyons for over 50 years. It is referred to as “The Mother of All Peppers” in the United States – only wild native chili pepper available in the USA. It is grown commercially in Mexico and Texas, especially continuous efforts have led to the great development of its farms along the US/Mexican border. In fact, Chile Tepin was made the “official native pepper” of Texas in 1997. Chile Tepin is also known as “bird peppers” because it is eaten and spread by wild birds, and “bird’s eye peppers” because of its size.

Chile Tepin has been widely used as a medicine as well, even rising to mythic status. You’ll find it protected in the US in Coronado National Forest, Organpipe Cactus National Monument, and Big Bend National Park. You’ll also find its rich history in the Native American culture, and high significance in the Sonoran region but also in the USA.

With their hard-harvest and variability in heat depending on growing conditions, Tepin Chile pepper is expensive and is considered a special variety. Chile Tepin is quite hot, but unlike many chili peppers, its tangy effect is not long-lasting. Doesn’t have a slower and more enduring effect. Its unique and rapid-diminishing taste is the reason that it is found on tables at restaurants and is used as an everyday seasoning.

These small, round-shaped peppers are a good source of vitamins A, C, K, and potassium. Tepin Chile peppers also contain amounts of iron, magnesium, and capsaicin – a chemical compound that triggers the brain to feel the sensation of heat or spice. Ingredients available in Tepin Chile have also been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

At Chile Tepin, we leverage Tepin Chile peppers’ tangy, spicy taste to craft delicious recipes that will give you a beyond-described feeling at each bite. These family-based recipes are passed over generations and have been custom-optimized to give you the enriching experience Mexican food has to offer.