
Pimento
Pimento, also known as cherry pepper, is a sweet, mild chili pepper prized for its vibrant red color and gentle flavor. Unlike spicier peppers, pimentos offer a subtle sweetness with a hint of warmth, making them incredibly versatile in the kitchen. These heart-shaped peppers boast a smooth, almost waxy texture when raw and become even more tender when roasted or canned. Often found jarred or canned, pimentos add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to various dishes, making them a staple ingredient for cooks seeking a mild and flavorful pepper option.
Common Uses
- Add diced pimentos to cheese spreads and dips to enhance flavor and add flecks of color. They blend smoothly into cream cheese-based dips and provide a mild, sweet contrast to sharp cheddar or other cheeses.
- Stuff pimentos into green olives to create the classic pimento-stuffed olive, a popular ingredient in martinis and antipasto platters. The sweetness of the pimento complements the briny flavor of the olive perfectly.
- Incorporate chopped pimentos into Southern-style recipes like pimento cheese. This adds a creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and characteristic red color to the classic cheese spread. Pimento cheese can be used as a dip, spread for sandwiches, or a topping for crackers.
- Use pimentos in Spanish cuisine, such as in the filling for piquillo peppers. Pimientos de piquillo are often stuffed with ground meat, cheese, or rice, then roasted or grilled, offering a sweet and savory dish.
- Blend pimentos into sauces and dressings for a touch of sweetness and a vibrant red hue. Try adding them to homemade mayonnaise, salad dressings, or barbecue sauces for a mild pepper flavor and a visual appeal.
- Roast whole pimentos to deepen their sweetness and then peel, seed, and use them in salads or as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables. Roasting enhances their natural sugars and provides a smoky flavor.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
0.4kcal (0.02%)
Protein
0.0g (0.04%)
Carbs
0.1g (0.03%)
Sugars
0.1g (0.12%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
0.4kcal (0.02%)
Protein
0.0g (0.04%)
Carbs
0.1g (0.03%)
Sugars
0.1g (0.12%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.
- Good source of Vitamin A, essential for vision and cell growth.
- Contains antioxidants that combat free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Provides dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and gut health.
- Low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to various diets.
- May contribute to improved cardiovascular health due to its nutrient profile.
Storage Tips
Pimentos are best stored in their original packaging, unopened, at room temperature in a cool, dark place until opened. Once opened, transfer any unused pimentos along with their liquid to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. They should be used within a week to maintain their best quality. For longer storage, pimentos can be frozen, although this may slightly alter their texture; pack them in a freezer-safe container or bag with some of their liquid to prevent freezer burn.
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