What is a Seasoning pepper?
-A seasoning pepper is a pepper with a strong flavor separate from “heat” or “sweet”. Usually it’s a low or no heat pepper, although a few hot peppers have a distinct flavor separate from the heat i.e. Sugar Rush Peach. Usually it’s not a super-sweet pepper either, yet I would consider a habanada a seasoning pepper, as it’s flavor is beyond sweet, it’s uniquely fruity. A bell pepper is not a seasoning pepper. A jalapeño is not a seasoning pepper. A seasoning pepper is often described as “rich” or “unique”. Seasoning peppers are often the basis of specific dishes around the world. Peri-Peri (a pepper sauce for chicken), or the peppers required for authentic Arroz con pollo. There are peppers specifically grown for particular curries, worldwide.
Which Season Peppers Do I Grow?
Tobago Seasoning peppers are very similar to Arroz con poll peppers. Little rich pops of pepper flavor, very little heat, a touch of sweet.
Arroz con pollo, a pepper cultivated specifically for a chicken dish. Like the Tobago Seasoning, the flavor is rich, low heat and slightly sweet.
Criolla peppers are a favorite of mine. They have a deep, smoky flavor. No heat, very slight sweet.
I grow Habanada peppers specifically to make a sweet pepper dip for my eggrolls. The habanada pepper is super sweet, making it great for sweet chili sauces. And the flavor is like nothing else. It makes for a signature sauce, and I am all about it.
Poblano peppers have a great smoky flavor to come along with their medium heat. Many dishes work best with poblanos per their rich pepper flavor.
This year I will be adding more Aji varieties to my garden, as they are popular seasoning pepper varieties. Looking forward to many dishes I’ll be making with the upcoming harvest.
Thanks for stopping by!
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