Peppadew Pepper – All about Heat, Flavor, Uses, Substitutes

What Is Peppadew Pepper?

Peppadew pepper, also known as sweet piquanté pepper, is a delightful variety of chili pepper originating from South Africa. These small, round, and vibrantly colored red peppers are known for their unique sweetness and mild heat combination. Discovered in the 1990s, the Peppadew pepper quickly gained popularity, especially as a pizza topping in South Africa.

The Peppadew brand is a trademarked name, and the company behind it, Peppadew International, has built a reputation for producing high-quality Peppadew pepper products.

These peppers are commonly used in a variety of culinary applications, from appetizers to main dishes. Let’s explore.

How Hot Are Peppadew Peppers?

Peppadew pepper scoville: 1,177 SHU

Peppadew peppers have a Scoville rating of 1,177 units, which signifies a mild to moderate heat level. While they have a bit more heat than pepperoncini peppers, which range from 100 to 500 Scoville units, they‘re still relatively mild compared to chili peppers like jalapeños, which can range from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville units.

🗺️ ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Where Do Peppadew Peppers Come From?

Peppadew peppers, sometimes called sweet piquanté peppers or Juanita peppers, have their origins in South Africa. The unique pepper was discovered by a farmer in the 1990s in the Limpopo province, and he decided to bring it to the market. The farmer described the flavor as “peppery” yet “sweet as the dew,” which led to the creation of the name “Peppadew.” The peppers quickly gained popularity in South Africa, and their fame soon spread to other parts of the world, becoming a beloved ingredient in various international cuisines.

🌶️ USES

What are Peppadew peppers good for? How to use them?

Peppadew peppers are incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous ways in the kitchen. They‘re perfect for adding a little bit of sweet heat to all kinds of dishes, elevating each of the flavors and providing a unique taste.

One really yummy way to use Peppadew peppers is to stuff them full of cream cheese, goat cheese, or feta, creating a fun and flavorful snack. Their sweet and mild heat complements the creaminess of whatever cheese you pick, making them an easy hit at parties and gatherings. Peppadew peppers can also be chopped and added to all sorts of salads, salsas, or pasta, providing a burst of flavor and a pop of color to any meal.

Another great thing is that peppadews can be cooked into various sauces and condiments, such as relishes, chutneys, and marinades, adding a sweet and spicy kick. They can be combined with ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs, creating a sauce that can be used with tons of grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables. You can even blend them with things like mayonnaise or aioli to create a perfect spread for any sandwiches or wraps.

✨ APPEARANCE AND TASTE

What Does a Peppadew Pepper Look Like?

Peppadew peppers are small, round, and cherry-like in appearance, with a diameter of about 1 to 1.5 inches. When they’re fully ripe, they have a gorgeous red color to them. Their skin is smooth and glossy, while the inside is filled with tiny seeds that usually get removed. They’re definitely a unique pepper in appearance, making them easy to identify.

What Do Peppadew Peppers Taste Like?

The Peppadew is definitely a singular-tasting pepper. With a flavor that’s more sweet than spicy, plus the tangy effects of being pickled, these little peppers pack a big hit of flavor. This is a huge part of what makes them so popular and versatile!

👨‍🍳 COOKING – RECIPES

Cooking/Recipe ideas for Peppadew pepper

Peppadew peppers’ unique combination of sweetness and heat make them a versatile ingredient in various recipes. As we mentioned earlier, one super popular way to enjoy them is stuffing and baking. Simply fill the peppers with some sort of soft cheese, then bake or grill them until the cheese is all gooey and bubbly. You can also add herbs, garlic, or bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor.

Ready-made Pickled Peppadews are an excellent option, commonly enjoyed as a condiment or snack. These small, round, and vibrantly red South African sweet piquanté peppers are trademarked and produced by Peppadew International. You can effortlessly enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of these high-quality Peppadew peppers without worrying about pickling them yourself.

Peppadew pepper jam is another interesting way to use these sweet and tangy peppers. Combining the peppers with sugar, vinegar, and spices creates a delicious jam that pairs perfectly with crackers, cheese, and charcuterie boards. Additionally, Peppadew peppers can be used in numerous other recipes, such as salads, pizzas, pasta dishes, and sauces, adding a delightful burst of flavor to your culinary creations.

🛒 WHERE TO BUY

Where can I buy Peppadew peppers?

Peppadew peppers can sometimes be difficult to find at local grocery stores, but some well-stocked chains may carry them. Italian specialty food stores or delis may also have them available, as they pair well with charcuterie and antipasti. If you‘re having trouble finding them in person, online retailers or specialty food store websites offer jars of Peppadew peppers for purchase.

🫙 HOW TO STORE

How do I store Peppadew peppers?

Pickled Peppadew peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. To store them, simply keep them in their original jar or transfer them to an airtight container and leave them in the refrigerator. Ensure that the peppers are submerged in the pickling liquid to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

🔄 ALTERNATIVES AND SUBSTITUTES

What’s a good Peppadew pepper alternative?

Cherry peppers make a decent alternative due to their round shape and similar sweet-spicy flavor profile. They can be used in salads, sandwiches, or stuffed pepper recipes.

RELATED: Read our in-depth guide about Peppadew pepper substitutes

How do you pronounce Peppadew?

Peppadew is pronounced as PEP-uh-dew.

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