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".
Jill says
Can we plant seeds from last year’s cowhorn peppers, or are they hybrid?
Thank you!
Mike Hultquist says
You can grow them, Jill. They are likely not hybrids. See: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/cooking-with-chili-peppers/saving-chili-pepper-seeds-for-growing-later/
suzanne says
Hi Mike, I used all my jalapeños in a blackberry wine that's fermenting up nicely. Will the cowhorn make a good replacement for cowboy candy? My family will strike if I
don't can any this year. Thank you.
Mike Hultquist says
Suzanne, cowhorns are great for candying, though they are larger, which is no issue. They're also super mild, but work great.
Heather Salhus says
I was given a bag of these peppers and I'm not sure what to do with them. Thinking maybe a jam for a strawberry cowhorn pepper jam for a charcuterie board. I've made a hatch pear before my family loves. In your opinion would they be better roasted and peeled like a hatch? Have you ever tried anything like that?
Mike Hultquist says
Heather, these are GREAT for roasting, yes, though would also make a nice jelly/jam.
Penny says
can I dig up my cowhorn pepper plant and I over winter it for next year? I live in zone 5b.
Mike Hultquist says
You can, Penny, to keep it stable and dormant, then replant next year. Keep it warm. Some people coax more production with grow lights.
Veda Ruiz says
Good information. I planted Cowhorn and Cayenne indoors last Monday and the Cayenne began germinating yesterday. The Cowhorn has yet to germinate. I wonder if the Cowhorn will take longer because of the fruit size. Any feedback would be helpful.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Veda, most pepper seeds germinate between 7-21 days, so give it some time. Good luck with your peppers.
David Smith says
A Szechuan restaurant in my neighborhood likes to use these in stir-fried dishes. Hot stuff, but very tasty.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yes, great stuff, David! I love these peppers.
Jackie Hampshire says
Hi Mike,
I have a beautiful cowhorn pepper plant and the peppers look great, but right as they are ripening - something eats the bottom off.
Any ideas on the culprit?
Thanks
Jackie
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hi, Jackie. It sounds like blossom end rot to me, which is a calcium deficiency. You can usually treat this with a good fertilizer, enough water and properly treated soil. There is a product out there called "Tomato End Rot" I believe. Something to check out. I hope this helps!
Bre says
What is a good replacement for cowhoen pepper?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
You can use other sweeter Italian peppers, or use a red bell pepper.
Camille Eppstein says
Do they get milder if left to ripen? Can you use them when they are still green?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Camille, not really, the heat is usually fairly consistent, though maybe a little. Also yes, you can certainly use them green.
Mark Clegg says
Is it best to pick Cowhorn Peppers ripe/red on the plant or pick them green and let them ripen in the house?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
I like to pick them ripe when I can, Mark. I would do that as long as the weather allows.
Elaine Helmes says
I would like to order some cowhorn pepper plants or seeds. Please let know how much and contact information.
Thanks,
Elaine Helmes
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
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!