Cowhorn Chili Peppers: Good Heat, Big Pepper
SCOVILLE HEAT UNITS: 2,500-5,000 SHU
Capsicum Annuum
Cowhorn peppers are long, fairly thick-walled chili peppers that are shaped a bit like cow horns, hence the name. They are very large peppers in general, growing up to ten inches long, though the pods thin and curvy, very much like a large cayenne pepper.
The peppers turn bright red upon maturity, and they do have some heat, measuring in at 2,500-5,000 Scoville Heat Units. Learn more about the Scoville Scale Here. This makes them roughly the same heat level as an average jalapeno pepper.
The pods are quite wrinkly, though they are outstanding to cook with, having both a nice level of heat and a wonderfully fruity flavor, with thick enough walls to provide some substance to whatever you’re cooking.
Common Questions about Cow Horn Peppers
Here is a list of questions I receive about Cow Horn chili peppers. Contact me with any further questions and I’ll be happy to update this page.
Are Cow Horn Peppers the same as Cayenne Peppers?
While they are similar in appearance, cow horn peppers are not actually cayenne peppers, even though they are often referred to as such. In reality, cow horn peppers are much larger and not quite as hot.
While they are both Capsicum Annuum, they are otherwise not related.
Cooking with Cow Horn Peppers
Because of their decent level of heat, large size and overall flavor, cow horn peppers are highly versatile.
You can use them as part of the Cajun Holy Trinity (onions, celery and peppers) to start any sort of meal, such as Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo.
Cow horns make great chili powders, so you can dehydrate them then grind them into a powder that you cause for just about anything. See How to Dehydrate Chili Peppers to Make Chili Powders.
Other ideas for cooking with cow horn peppers include:
- Homemade Salsa
- Stuffed Peppers
- Homemade Hot Sauce – Learn How to Make Hot Sauce (the Ultimate Guide)
- Sauces
- Frying
- Stir Fries
- Canning
- Pickling
Personal Notes
I’ve grown cow horns in my garden many years now, and even though they are very productive plants, I still use up all of the pods.
I personally prefer drying them for powders, pickling them, and cooking them into main dishes. Many people use them for stuffing, but I find that they are usually too thin to produce a meal from a stuffed pepper. However, they are good enough for appetizer sized stuffed peppers.
Where Can I Buy Cowhorn Seeds?
Check out my chili pepper seeds resources page, or you can purchase cownhorn pepper seeds here (affiliate link, my friends!).
Contact me anytime with any questions. — Mike H.
Mike Hultquist is the author of “The Spicy Food Lovers’ Cookbook” and “The Spicy Dehydrator Cookbook”.
4 comments
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Is it best to pick Cowhorn Peppers ripe/red on the plant or pick them green and let them ripen in the house?
I like to pick them ripe when I can, Mark. I would do that as long as the weather allows.
I would like to order some cowhorn pepper plants or seeds. Please let know how much and contact information.
Thanks,
Elaine Helmes
Elaine, check out my chili pepper seeds resources page for possible resources, or check the bottom of the post where I have some links. Good luck!