Developed at the Innovation Acre, the Royal Pequin pepper was created by crossing the Pequin, Thai, and Black Pearl peppers. It was created by Steve Bender, who wanted to create an ornamental pepper that had both great flavor and stunning beauty. The Royal Pequin pepper plant has dark leaves and gorgeous purple flowers. The pods start off black and eventually ripen to red at maturity.
Unlike most ornamental peppers, the Royal Pequin yields peppers that are both appealing to the eyes and the taste buds. The peppers are sweet and fruity, with a hint of smokiness. Its heat level is similar to that of the traditional Pequin, averaging about 40,000 to 60,000 Scoville Heat Units. The popular Cholula hot sauce brand lists "piquin" peppers and Chile de Arbol peppers among its ingredients.
