
Pimiento Pepper
Pimiento peppers, also known as pimentos, are sweet, heart-shaped red peppers prized for their mild flavor and vibrant color. Unlike spicier chili peppers, pimientos offer a gentle sweetness with a subtly fruity taste and a slightly tangy undertone. Their flesh is thick, juicy, and smooth, making them a popular ingredient in various culinary applications. These peppers are commonly found jarred or canned, often preserved in water, vinegar, or brine, retaining their bright red hue. The pimiento pepper's versatility makes it a pantry staple for adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to both savory and sweet dishes, perfect for adding a bright pop of color and mild pepper flavor to any meal.
Common Uses
- Stuffed Olives: Pimiento peppers are most famously used as the stuffing inside green Spanish olives, providing a burst of sweet and slightly tangy flavor that perfectly complements the olive's briny taste. Many people are specifically looking for the best stuffed olives with pimientos and this is why they are such a popular ingredient.
- Cheese Spreads and Dips: Finely diced pimiento peppers are a key ingredient in Southern-style cheese spreads like pimiento cheese, adding moisture, sweetness, and a distinctive red color. This popular cheese spread is often used as a dip or a sandwich filling, highlighting the pepper's flavor.
- Garnishes and Visual Appeal: The bright red color of pimiento peppers makes them an excellent garnish for salads, deviled eggs, and various other dishes. Their heart shape, when sliced, also provides visual interest, enhancing the overall presentation and creating colorful food.
- Sauces and Relishes: Pimiento peppers can be pureed or finely chopped and added to sauces, relishes, and salsas for a touch of sweetness and mild pepper flavor. They complement other ingredients well and add a vibrant red hue, adding layers of flavor to any recipe.
- Roasted and Grilled: Pimiento peppers can be roasted or grilled to intensify their natural sweetness and add a smoky flavor. They can be used as a side dish or added to salads or sandwiches after roasting to bring in a smoky sweet pepper.
- In Canned and Jarred Goods: Pimiento peppers are frequently canned or jarred whole, sliced, or diced, often in water, vinegar, or brine. These preserved pimientos are readily available and convenient for adding to various recipes, especially when fresh pimientos are not in season, allowing for easy access to this sweet pepper.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
21.0kcal (1.05%)
Protein
0.7g (1.4%)
Carbs
5.0g (1.82%)
Sugars
3.0g (6%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
21.0kcal (1.05%)
Protein
0.7g (1.4%)
Carbs
5.0g (1.82%)
Sugars
3.0g (6%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamin C, boosting immunity and acting as an antioxidant.
- Good source of Vitamin A, supporting vision and cell growth.
- Contains capsaicin, potentially providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Low in calories and carbohydrates, suitable for weight management.
- Provides dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and regularity.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Pimiento peppers are best stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and crisp texture. Fresh pimientos can be stored in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer for up to a week. For longer storage, consider pickling, roasting and preserving them in olive oil, or freezing. To freeze, roast the peppers first, remove the skins, and then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
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