Tabasco
Tabasco, (Capsicum frutescens), hot red pepper in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Tabasco is a cultivar of Capsicum frutescens and is commonly grown as an annual plant. The pepper is often ground and mixed with vinegar to produce a hot sauce. It is the basis of the world famous condiment known as Tabasco sauce.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Tabasco
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
04 November 2026
Access Date:
November 13, 2026