Peperone crusco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peperone crusco |
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Peperoni cruschi (crusco peppers)
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| Species | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Basilicata, Italy |
| Heat | None |
| Scoville scale | 0 SHU |
The peperone crusco (say "peh-peh-ROH-neh KROOS-koh") is a special kind of crispy pepper. It's also called a 'crusco pepper'. This unique food comes from the Basilicata region in Italy.
It is known as a "traditional regional food product" because it has been made there for a very long time. People in Basilicata love it so much, they often call it "the red gold of Basilicata." You can also find it in Calabria, and sometimes in Apulia, Abruzzo, and Molise.
What is Peperone Crusco?
This pepper is a type of sweet-flavored capsicum annuum. It has been grown in Basilicata since the 1600s. The most common type used is the Senise pepper. This is because it has thin walls and not much water inside, which makes it easy to dry. Peperone crusco can be pointed, cone-shaped, or hooked.
How Peperone Crusco is Grown
Farmers plant the seeds in the spring. They harvest the peppers between July and August. After picking, the peppers are placed on cloths for three days in a cool, dry, and shady spot.
Then, they are tied together with string to form long garlands. These garlands are called serte. They are hung outdoors during the summer to dry in the sun and air. Traditionally, you can see them hanging from windows, balconies, and house walls.
Eating Peperone Crusco
Peperoni cruschi are a very important part of Lucanian cooking. You can eat them in many ways. They can be a crunchy snack, like a vegetable chip, or a side dish with your meal. They are also used to add flavor to other foods.
To prepare them, people usually wipe them clean with a dry cloth. They remove the stem and seeds. Then, they quickly fry them for just one or two seconds in hot olive oil. After they cool down, they become wonderfully crispy.
Some traditional dishes that use peperone crusco include pasta con i peperoni cruschi, baccalà alla lucana (cod fish), acquasale (a simple bread soup), and pane cotto (cooked bread). The peppers can also be ground into a powder. This powder is used to flavor meats, beans, baked goods, chocolate, and even ice cream!
See also
In Spanish: Peperone crusco para niños
