Chilli Tepin, Chiltepin

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
Categories: ,

Description

(Capsicum annuum aviculare)

Heat Rating out of 10: 9

A very hot wild sourced variety from the hills of Northern Mexico. Being a species form it is slow to produce fruit and may need to be over wintered for best yields.

Flavours/Food Partners

Basil, lemon, lime and green ruffles, garlic, ginger, coriander, Vietnamese coriander, lemon grass, chives. Seafood, all meats and most vegetables along with coconut, lime and lemon all go well with chillies.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Chillies form an integral part of many Asian and Latin American dishes along with some European, African and North American Indeed over time most cuisines have added this fiery little fruit into their recipes. There are many forms that very in color, shape, flavour and of course heat. The masses of small bright red fruits are very hot and best used dried in curries, soups and hot sauces.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in a protected spot out of fierce sunlight and wind in a well drained but moist soil. Protect from winter frosts and it can live for many years.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed will keep the plant looking good and producing lots of tasty chillies. Harvest fruit green or red in late summer after the first year.

Herb Attributes

Position PART TO FULL SUN, LIGHT FROST
Height 80CM
Width 80CM