The NuMex NoBasco pepper is a unique and carefully developed chile, created by the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Chile Pepper Institute under the guidance of Dr. Paul W. Bosland and Dr. Danise Coon. This innovative cultivar was designed to replicate the classic Tabasco pepper in flavor, appearance, and culinary versatility, while removing its intense heat. By crossing the traditional Tabasco pepper with a no-heat Capsicum frutescens accession from Colombia and carefully selecting through multiple generations, the breeders created a pepper that captures the essence of Tabasco without the burn.
The plants produce vibrant, upright pods that begin green and mature to a bright red, closely mirroring the appearance of traditional Tabasco peppers. The plants themselves are slightly more compact than standard Tabasco varieties but offer comparable yields, making them ideal for both home gardens and commercial production. The pods are firm and meaty, with the characteristic elongated shape that chefs and gardeners recognize and appreciate.
What sets NuMex NoBasco apart is its zero-heat profile. Laboratory testing has confirmed that these peppers contain virtually no capsaicin, measuring 0 Scoville Heat Units, yet they retain the tangy, bright, slightly acidic flavor that makes Tabasco chiles so distinctive. This combination of authentic taste without spiciness makes NoBasco a versatile ingredient in a wide range of culinary applications.
NuMex NoBasco is perfect for mild hot sauces, salsas, and pickled pepper products, as well as soups, stews, and other dishes where pepper flavor is desired without heat. Its consistent flavor and striking red appearance also make it ideal for commercial food production, especially in products aimed at those who enjoy the taste of peppers but cannot tolerate spice. For gardeners, chefs, and food producers alike, NuMex NoBasco provides the classic Tabasco experience in a gentle, approachable form, making it a rare and valuable addition to any pepper collection.
