Marco Castillo

Founder & Lead Writer

189 articles

Why you should trust me: I have been growing and writing about peppers for over 15 years. Before starting KnowThePepper, I worked in agricultural extension, helping small-scale farmers in Mexico and Guatemala optimize their pepper crops. I've grown every major variety from Carolina Reapers to mild shishitos across USDA zones 5 through 11. If a growing tip is on this site, it's because I tested it myself.

What I grow every season: At least 40 varieties — always Carolina Reapers, Scotch Bonnets, Thai chilis, and whatever new superhot cross I can get seeds for. I trial new varieties in raised beds with controlled soil mixes so the growing data is consistent.

Favorite pepper to cook with: Ají Amarillo. Fruity, moderate heat, and it makes everything golden yellow. I use it in everything from ceviche to pasta sauce.

Least favorite pepper experience: Eating a raw Chocolate Bhutlah on a dare at ZestFest 2019. I don't recommend it. The hiccups lasted two hours.

Has tasted 200+ pepper varieties Judges at ZestFest annually First habanero at age 14 Featured in Chile Pepper Magazine

Expertise: Pepper cultivation Superhot varieties SHU testing Hot sauce making Agricultural extension

Qualifications & Background

🎓 M.S. Agricultural Extension, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (2010); B.S. Horticulture, Texas A&M University (2008)
📜 Master Gardener Certified (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension); Certified Food Safety Manager
⏱️ 15 years of professional experience
🏆 ZestFest Judge — ZestFest International (2018-2025)
🏆 Featured Expert — Chile Pepper Magazine (2021)

Publications & Media Features

Selected Publications

📄 Growing Chilis and Hot Peppers in the Mountain West
Fine Gardening, 2022 — Read article →
📄 How To Grow Peppers From Seed (Complete Guide)
Pepper Geek, 2023 — Read article →

Media Mentions

📰 NC Field & Family
"North Carolina Growers Cultivate Hot Peppers" (Jun 2023) — Read feature →
📰 WFAE (NPR Charlotte)
"World's New Hottest Pepper Developed in South Carolina" (Oct 2023) — Read feature →

💼 LinkedIn