Embroidered peppers facts for kids
Macedonian embroidered peppers
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| Alternative names | Vezeni piperki |
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| Course | Meze, side dish |
| Place of origin | North Macedonia |
| Main ingredients | Peppers |
Embroidered peppers (Macedonian: Везени пиперки, romanized: Vezeni piperki or Macedonian: Нарезнени пиперки, romanized: Narezneni piperki), also known as engraved peppers, are a special traditional meze from North Macedonia. A meze is a collection of small dishes, like appetizers, often served with drinks. These peppers are made from fresh, dried, or seasoned peppers from the Capsicum annuum plant. They are carefully threaded onto a string to dry.
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What Are Embroidered Peppers?
Peppers are a very important part of Macedonian cuisine. The Capsicum annuum species, which includes many types of peppers, grows in different local varieties in North Macedonia. You can also find these varieties in neighboring countries like Kosovo, Albania, and Serbia.
Unique Macedonian Varieties
Embroidered Macedonian peppers have a special look, taste, and use. There are many different local kinds, or "landraces," of these peppers. A landrace is a type of plant that has grown in a certain area for a long time and adapted to its local conditions. Scientists have studied many pepper samples, and a good number of them are these unique embroidered peppers.
How Are Embroidered Peppers Made?
Making embroidered peppers is a simple, traditional process. The fresh peppers are carefully threaded onto long strings.
Drying the Peppers
Once on strings, the peppers are hung up to dry. People often hang them on balconies or in attics. This drying process helps preserve the peppers so they can be enjoyed later. You can also find these dried peppers in cities across North Macedonia or buy them at local green markets.
From Peppers to Spice
Sometimes, these red peppers are used to make a popular spice called Bukovec, or Bukov piper. This spice is made by roughly crushing the dried red peppers. It adds a delicious flavor to many Macedonian dishes.
