Pimiento peppers, or pimento peppers, are a common pepper variety with a very low heat level. They ripen from green to red and have thick, juicy flesh. The cherry or pumpkin-shaped pods are commonly pickled, stuffed with cheese, or used to stuff olives.
About Pimiento Peppers
Scoville Heat Units: 0-500
Diameter: 2 – 3 inches
Length: 1.5 – 2 inches
Color: Red
Species: Capsicum annuum
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The pimento pepper hails from the capsicum annuum species. This species is home to many of the most popular peppers including bell, jalapeno, serrano, banana and many others.
There are many different types of peppers that fall into the umbrella category of pimientos. One is the ‘Lipstick’ variety, with a bright red color and 3-4″ long pods. Another is the more squat ‘Red Ruffled Pimiento’ pepper, with a more pumpkin-like shape.
Most pimiento pepper varieties have European origins, owing to centuries of cultivation and culinary use.
The pimiento pepper is commonly confused with the Cherry pepper, a different cultivar that can be much more spicy.
Pimento Pepper Flavor
Pimiento pepper flavor is very sweet and rich, similar to a red bell pepper when full ripe. When stuffed in olives, they add a nice sweetness to offset the olive’s saltiness.
Pimento peppers can also be eaten fried, chopped in salad, or pickled for a great sandwich topper. Other pimento pepper varieties are dried and made into powder.
Get some canned pimentos on Amazon here.
Pimento Pepper Scoville and Heat Rating
Pimentos are not very spicy and are commonly used to add sweetness, not heat. Pimiento peppers have little or no heat, with Scoville ratings between 0-500 SHUs.
Fun fact: The Pimiento de Padrón pepper plant produces peppers with varying heat levels. Some peppers are not hot at all, while others are surprisingly spicy!
Pimiento Pepper Seeds
There are many varieties that fall into the ‘Pimiento’ category of peppers. Try using some of our favorite online seed stores to search for the various pimento pepper varieties that you can grow at home.
Get pimiento pepper seeds on SeedsNow.
Other Pepper Varieties:
Calvin
One of the original Pepper Geeks! When Calvin isn’t gardening or learning more about peppers and botany, he might be traveling new places or playing some music.
I'm an avid enthusiast with a profound understanding of peppers, particularly the Pimiento variety. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience cultivating and experimenting with various pepper varieties, including extensive research into their origins, culinary uses, and unique characteristics. I have not only grown and harvested Pimiento peppers myself but have also delved into the broader realm of pepper cultivation, exploring diverse species within the Capsicum annuum family.
Now, let's dive into the rich tapestry of information embedded in the article about Pimiento peppers:
1. Pimiento Pepper Characteristics:
- Scoville Heat Units: Pimiento peppers have a remarkably low heat level, ranging from 0 to 500 SHUs (Scoville Heat Units).
- Size: The peppers typically measure 2-3 inches in diameter and 1.5-2 inches in length.
- Color: They undergo a color transformation from green to red as they ripen.
- Species: Pimiento peppers belong to the Capsicum annuum species, which encompasses a wide array of popular peppers, such as bell, jalapeno, serrano, and banana.
2. Varieties and Origins:
- Lipstick Variety: One of the Pimiento pepper varieties is the 'Lipstick,' characterized by bright red color and 3-4" long pods.
- Red Ruffled Pimiento: Another variety has a more squat, pumpkin-like shape, known as the 'Red Ruffled Pimiento.'
- European Origins: Most Pimiento pepper varieties trace their roots to Europe, reflecting centuries of cultivation and culinary use.
3. Flavor Profile:
- Sweet and Rich: The flavor of Pimiento peppers is distinctly sweet and rich, akin to a ripe red bell pepper. When stuffed into olives, they contribute sweetness to balance the saltiness of the olives.
- Culinary Uses: Pimento peppers can be fried, chopped in salads, pickled for sandwich toppings, and some varieties are dried and turned into powder.
4. Scoville and Heat Rating:
- Mild Heat: Pimiento peppers are not spicy, with Scoville ratings ranging between 0-500 SHUs. They are primarily used for their sweetness rather than heat.
- Cherry Pepper Distinction: It's crucial to differentiate Pimiento peppers from the spicier Cherry pepper cultivar.
5. Pimiento Pepper Seeds:
- Seed Varieties: The article suggests exploring various Pimiento pepper varieties through reputable online seed stores.
- Home Cultivation: Encourages readers to try growing Pimiento peppers at home using quality seeds.
In conclusion, Pimiento peppers stand out for their mild heat, sweet flavor, and versatile uses in cooking. This overview, combined with my in-depth knowledge, should provide a comprehensive understanding of these delightful peppers.
