What are Pimento Peppers: Taste & Nutrition

Pimento peppers are sweet, heart-shaped peppers that have a mild, slightly sweet taste with a touch of spice.

IN THIS GUIDE

What are Pimento Peppers
Taste of Pimento peppers
Cooked Pimento taste
Heat content
Cooking methods
Storing
Conclusion

What are pimento peppers

Pimento peppers are a type of sweet red pepper that are typically small in size and have a heart-shaped or oval shape. They are also known as cherry peppers or pimiento peppers. Pimentos are commonly used as a stuffing in green olives and in various recipes for salads, sandwiches, and dips.

They have a mild and sweet flavor with a slightly tangy taste and are often used to add color and flavor to dishes. These types of peppers are low in calories, high in vitamin C, and a good source of dietary fiber. They are typically sold canned, jarred, or pickled in grocery stores.

Here is a USDA chart showing the approximate nutrition value of raw pimento peppers per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	23
Fat	0.4 g
Sodium	12 mg
Carbohydrates	4.7 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	3.1 g
Protein	0.9 g
Vitamin C	73.7 mg (123% DV)
Vitamin A	338 IU (7% DV)
Vitamin E	0.7 mg (4% DV)
Vitamin K	2.7 mcg (3% DV)
Folate	10 mcg (3% DV)
Potassium	148 mg (4% DV)
Calcium	10 mg (1% DV)
Iron	0.3 mg (2% DV)

Note: DV stands for Daily Value, and it represents the recommended daily intake of a nutrient based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

What do Pimento’s taste like

Pimento’s have a mild, sweet, and slightly tangy taste. They are not spicy, unlike many other types of peppers. The flesh of the pimento pepper is thick and juicy, and the flavor is often described as slightly fruity or reminiscent of red bell peppers.

Pimentos can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are commonly used as a stuffing for olives or as an ingredient in various recipes such as salads, sandwiches, and dips. Overall, pimento peppers add flavor and vibrant color to many dishes without overpowering other ingredients.

Cooked Pimento taste

Cooked pimento’s have a slightly sweeter and more intense flavor than raw pimentos. When cooked, their natural sugars caramelize, giving them a deeper flavor and a hint of smokiness. They can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or fried, and they are a great addition to many dishes, including casseroles, stews, soups, and sauces.

Cooked pimentos also work well as a topping for pizzas or as a filling for omelets or frittatas. Cooking pimento peppers brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor, making them a delicious addition to many different dishes.

Heat content

Pimento’s are known for their mild flavor and low heat content. On the Scoville scale, which measures the heat of chili peppers, pimentos have a very low rating, ranging from 100 to 500 Scoville heat units.

In comparison, a jalapeño pepper, which is considered moderately hot, has a Scoville rating of 2,500 to 8,000 units. Pimentos are not spicy and often used in recipes to add color and flavor without adding heat.

Cooking with Pimento’s

Pimento Pepper growing on vine: Source: Aimee Ennis

Pimento’s are versatile ingredients and can be used in many dishes. Here are a few ideas for cooking with pimentos:

Stuffing: Pimento’s are often used to stuff green olives, but they can also be stuffed with other ingredients, such as cheese, rice, or ground meat.
Salads: Chopped pimento’s are a colorful and flavorful addition to salads, such as potato salad, pasta salad, or green salad.
Dips: Pimento peppers are a common ingredient in many dips, such as pimento cheese, hummus, or spinach dip.
Sandwiches: Sliced pimentos can add a sweet and tangy flavor to sandwiches, such as grilled cheese, turkey, or tuna sandwiches.
Pizza toppings: Sliced pimento peppers can be used as a topping for pizzas, adding color and flavor.
Casseroles: Pimento peppers can be added to casseroles, such as mac and cheese or tuna casserole, to add flavor and texture.
Grilled or roasted: Pimento’s can be grilled or roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor. They can be served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in other dishes.

Overall, pimento peppers are versatile ingredients that can add color, flavor, and texture to many dishes.

Storing

Pimento’s can be stored in several ways depending on how they are prepared:

Fresh pimento’s should be stored in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week in the fridge.
Canned or jarred pimento peppers can be stored unopened at room temperature until expiration. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days.
Frozen pimento’s should be blanched for 1-2 minutes before freezing. Once blanched, they can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to six months.

It’s worth noting that the flavor and texture of pimento peppers may change slightly after storage, mainly if they are frozen. However, they can still be used in many different types of dishes, and the changes are usually not noticeable.

Common Questions and Answers

Are Pimento’s spicy? No, Pimento peppers are not spicy. They have a mild, sweet flavor and are similar in heat level to bell pepper.

Are Pimento peppers healthy? Yes, Pimento peppers are a nutritious addition to your diet. They are low in calories and high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and protect against disease.

Can Pimento peppers be grown at home? Yes, these types of peppers be grown at home in a sunny location with well-draining soil. They are relatively easy to grow and can be grown in containers or on the ground.

Where can I buy Pimento peppers? Pimento peppers can be found at many grocery stores, specialty food stores, and online retailers. They are often sold in whole or sliced jars and fresh when in season.