What Are Peppadew Peppers?
Peppadew peppers are small red (and sometimes yellow) peppers that are sweet, spicy, and tangy.
They have a mild level of heat and can be purchased at well-stocked grocery stores or online.
Peppadews can be enjoyed on their own or stuffed with cheese, and are often used in sandwiches, pizza, or sauces.
If a substitute is needed, jarred roasted red peppers, piquillos, pickled pepperoncini, sweet pickled cherry peppers, or pimento can be used as alternatives.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Peppadew peppers are actually a patented brand name for a type of sweet piquanté pepper.
2. These peppers were first discovered in the early 1990s in the Limpopo province of South Africa.
3. They are known for their unique combination of sweetness and heat, providing a mild to medium spiciness.
4. Peppadews are a versatile ingredient, commonly stuffed with cream cheese or goat cheese to make delicious appetizers.
5. Despite their name, Peppadew peppers are not related to the pepper family but are actually a type of fruit called a berry.
What Are Peppadew Peppers?
Peppadew peppers are a delightful culinary treasure, known for their unique combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. These small, vibrant red (and occasionally yellow) peppers are the pickled version of Juanita piquanté peppers. With their distinct taste, Peppadews add a burst of flavor to any dish.
The peppers themselves have a mildly spicy kick, making them suitable for those who prefer a milder heat. They offer a pleasing balance between sweet and tangy, which enhances their overall flavor profile. This versatile pepper can be eaten on its own as a snack, or incorporated into various dishes to elevate their taste.
Where To Buy Peppadew Peppers
Finding Peppadew peppers to add to your culinary repertoire is easier than you might think. They are readily available at well-stocked grocery stores, where you can find them in the pickle aisle or among the specialty products.
Additionally, Italian specialty food stores often carry Peppadews due to their popularity in Mediterranean cuisine.
If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, there are several online retailers that offer Peppadew peppers. They can be purchased in jars or cans, allowing you to have a ready supply of this delightful ingredient to experiment with in your kitchen.
Ways To Enjoy Peppadew Peppers
Peppadew peppers are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Their distinct flavors make them a standout ingredient in many dishes, from sandwiches to pizza and beyond. Here are a few ideas to get your creative culinary juices flowing:
-
Snack: Enjoy Peppadews on their own as a delicious and flavorful snack. Their vibrant color and tangy taste make them a perfect addition to a charcuterie board or tapas spread.
-
Stuffed: These peppers are the perfect vessel for stuffing. Fill them with a creamy cheese like goat cheese or feta for a delightful appetizer that combines the heat of the pepper with the creaminess of the cheese.
-
Sandwiches: Add a few slices of Peppadew peppers to your favorite sandwich for an extra burst of flavor. Their tanginess pairs well with cured meats and creamy spreads.
-
Pizza topping: Sprinkle chopped Peppadew peppers on your homemade or store-bought pizza to give it a unique twist. The combination of sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
-
Romesco sauce: Incorporate Peppadews into Romesco sauce, a traditional Spanish sauce made with roasted red peppers, nuts, and spices. The peppers will add a touch of sweetness and tanginess, elevating the sauce to new heights.
-
These peppers are perfect for adding a pop of flavor to salads or grain bowls.
- You can also blend Peppadews into a dip or salsa for an extra kick.
- Use them as a topping for burgers or tacos to add a burst of flavor.
- Don’t forget to include them in your antipasto platter for a vibrant and zesty addition.
Remember: Peppadew peppers are a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor of a wide range of dishes. Let your culinary imagination run wild and experiment with different combinations to create unique and delicious meals.
Substituting Peppadew Peppers In Blended Or Sauced Recipes
If you don’t have access to Peppadew peppers or need an alternative, jarred roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for blended or sauced peppers. However, it’s important to keep in mind that they may lack the tanginess of Peppadews. To enhance their flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar.
To summarize:
- Peppadew peppers can be substituted with jarred roasted red peppers in recipes requiring blended or sauced peppers.
- Additional acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, may be needed to match the tanginess of Peppadews.
Alternatives For Stuffing Appetizers
When it comes to finding alternatives for stuffing appetizers, piquillos are a great option. These sweet peppers with a mild heat offer a similar texture and flavor profile to Peppadews, making them an excellent substitute in stuffed recipes.
Another option worth considering is pickled pepperoncini or sweet pickled cherry peppers. Their tanginess is reminiscent of Peppadews and can provide a similar flavor experience when used in stuffing recipes.
For chopped or diced recipes that call for Peppadew peppers, pimento can be used as a worthy substitute. Pimentos are sweet, succulent peppers that add a burst of flavor to any dish.
- Piquillos: sweet peppers with a mild heat, similar to Peppadews.
- Pickled pepperoncini or sweet pickled cherry peppers: tangy and reminiscent of Peppadews.
- Pimentos: sweet, succulent peppers that add flavor to any dish.
Closest Options For Snacking
If you’re looking for a snacking alternative to Peppadew peppers, there are two options that come close in flavor and texture.
-
Sweety Drop peppers, which are small, sweet, and tangy, provide a burst of flavor similar to Peppadews. They may be slightly harder to find though.
-
Another alternative is Biquinho peppers, often pickled and mildly spicy. These peppers offer a mildly spicy kick with a hint of sweetness. They may also be challenging to locate, depending on your location.
In conclusion, Peppadew peppers are a unique and flavorful ingredient that can add a delightful twist to a wide range of dishes. Their sweet, spicy, and tangy taste profile makes them a versatile addition to any culinary repertoire. Whether you’re snacking on them, using them as the star of a dish, or exploring substitutes, Peppadews are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
- Sweety Drop peppers: small, sweet, and tangy
- Biquinho peppers: mildly spicy with a hint of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good substitute for Peppadew peppers?
A good substitute for Peppadew peppers could be piquillo peppers. Piquillo peppers have a similar sweet and slightly tangy flavor, along with a mild heat. They also have a similar texture and can be easily stuffed or added to various dishes. Another option could be cherry peppers, which have a similar fruity and slightly spicy flavor profile. They are often used in pickling or as toppings for sandwiches and salads, providing a similar punch of flavor as Peppadew peppers.
Are all Peppadew peppers hot?
No, not all Peppadew peppers are hot. Originally pickled with a sugar and vinegar mixture, the peppers now come in different spice levels. The heat can be adjusted by varying the amount of dried, ground seeds added to the pickling liquid. In addition to the mild and hot varieties, there is also a new yellow Goldew type that offers a milder flavor for those who prefer less heat.
Are peppadew peppers hotter than jalapenos?
Peppadew peppers are actually milder than jalapenos in terms of heat. While jalapenos usually range between 2,500 to 8,000 SHU on the Scoville scale, peppadews are significantly less spicy, with a range of 500 to 1,500 SHU. Therefore, if you’re looking for a mild pepper option, peppadews would be a safer choice compared to jalapenos.
What is the real name of Peppadew peppers?
The true name of Peppadew peppers is PEPPADEW®. While some may mistakenly refer to certain cherry peppers as “peppadews,” the brand PEPPADEW® is the only official and recognized producer of these unique and flavorful peppers. So, next time you indulge in these sweet and tangy treats, remember to enjoy the authentic PEPPADEW® peppers.