Costeno Rojo-(Capsicum annuum)-The Costeno Rojo Pepper also known as just Costeno is a pepper grown in the valleys close to the coastal regions in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. Like many other Mexican heirlooms these are in danger of vanishing because of the high demand for growing more commercial chiles. The word Costeno means coastal. The Costeno Rojo chiles ripen from green to red and are about a half of an inch wide close to the stem and 2 to 3 inches in length. They are used in making salsa when fresh. But also, as an ingredient to make traditional sauces for tamales, pork and beef dishes and traditional mole style sauces. The Costeno Rojo chiles have a fruity flavor with earthy tones and a good solid medium heat level. The Costeno Rojo chile plants grow 3 to 4 feet tall.
