Piquillo pepper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Piquillo |
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Stuffed piquillo peppers
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| Species | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Spain |
| Heat |  Mild |
The piquillo pepper is a special kind of chili. It is a variety of Capsicum annuum, which is the plant family that includes many common peppers. This pepper has a sweet taste. It has very little to no heat, unlike some other chilies. Piquillo peppers are usually about 7 centimeters (about 3 inches) long. They are great for growing in pots. These peppers traditionally come from Northern Spain, especially near the town of Lodosa. The name "piquillo" means "little beak" in Spanish. This name describes its unique shape.
How Piquillo Peppers Are Prepared
Piquillo peppers are picked by hand. This usually happens during two harvest times. These seasons are between September and December. After picking, the peppers are roasted. They are cooked over hot embers. This gives them a special sweet and smoky flavor. This flavor is more like a bell pepper than a spicy chili. This is true even though they are small.
Next, workers carefully peel the peppers. They are then grilled again. This adds even more flavor and a nice texture. After grilling, the peppers are marinated. They are soaked in salt, pepper, and olive oil. Then, the seeds are removed by hand. Finally, the peppers are put into jars or tins. This prepares them for sale. Piquillo peppers are often filled with tasty ingredients. These can be meat, seafood, or cheese. They are often served as tapas, which are small Spanish dishes.
Piquillo Peppers and Your Health
Piquillo peppers are very good for you! They have a lot of fiber. Fiber helps your body digest food. These peppers are also rich in many vitamins. They contain vitamins C, E, A, and B. Their vitamin C content is especially high. It's similar to the amount found in citrus fruits like oranges. Eating piquillo peppers can help you stay healthy.
