LONGLEAT has always been the home of the wild and exotic but now a family-run business has made a name for itself growing the hottest chilli peppers in the world.

Tasting the chillis described as 'molten lava' is not recommended but a scorching summer for Simpson's Seeds at the Walled Garden Nursery, Horningsham, has led to a bumper crop.

The Tepin, originally grown in Mexico, is generally recognised by food experts as the hottest chilli pepper in the world.

Simpson's Seeds first introduced the Tepin two years ago but until now has failed to grow it successfully in the English climate and is now likely to become a permanent addition to the nursery.

Matthew Simpson, said: "If you tried one you would think you have been asked to put molten lava in your mouth, they are incredibly hot.

"It can be nice to chop them up and sprinkle them into a soup but I won't bite into them raw, they really should be handled with care.

"Usually this country

is not warm enough to grow the Tepin but because of the hot summer they have survived."

Mr Simpson's father started the business in the south east in 1992 and it moved to Longleat three years ago.

"We have some chillis from west Africa, it just seems right that we are growing these and in the background you can hear the Lions roaring," said Mr Simpson.