The Serrano Tampiqueno pepper is a popular pepper for salsa and hot sauce making as it has a slightly higher heat level than the Jalapeno pepper. The flavor of the Serrano Tampiqueno pepper is described as slightly sweet and bright with a surprising kick that is not overbearing. Serrano Tampiqueno peppers have a mild to medium heat level, averaging about 10,000 to 23,000 Scoville Heat Units. Some Serrano Tampiquenos are actually mild because the peppers vary widely in heat even on the same plant, just as Shishito peppers do.
Serrano peppers were originally grown in the same region as Poblano peppers, the Puebla region of Mexico. The name Serrano translates to “from the mountains.” Serrano peppers are very popular pepper in Mexico because of their excellent flavor and medium heat level.
Serrano Tampiquenos, which are smaller than Vegas Serranos, grow to be about 3 inches in length. They can easily be eaten raw as the skin is thin, not waxy and thick like a Bell pepper. Serranos don't need to be peeled after roasting, they can be chopped and added to the salsa right away. Many popular hot sauce and salsa companies rely on the Serrano as their main pepper, especially in the medium to medium hot category. It's a great pepper to add to the garden for those who like medium spice, but not superhot peppers.
