What is Horopito?

Also known as New Zealand's Native Bush Pepper - Horopito (or sometimes referred to as Mountain Horopito) is a smallish evergreen shrub whose leaves often have a red tinge or red blotches which is native to New Zealand. It can be found growing in lowland forests, though greater concentrations are found in lower mountain areas of New Zealand's North Island. There is a small locality called Horopito in the North Island central plateau area - so named because of there is much Horopito found growing in the natural bush in that area. This is where Forest Gourmet's Horopito leaf is sourced from.

The leaves have a hot peppery taste - which is where our interest in its use a spice or herb for culinary use comes from.