Pimento peppers
are used to flavor foods.
Pimento peppers are a type of Capsicum annuum plants within the Solanaceae family. Pimento peppers are common as canned foods, and resemble bell peppers in appearance. The bright red, sweet tasting peppers are used in an array of foods, including pimento loafs and pimento cheese. Although the pimento pepper generally tastes sweet, hotter varieties also exist.
Description
The Pimento capsicum generally grows 3 to 5 feet tall. The foliage is deep green in color and the long-lasting flowers are white. The most notable feature of the plant is the fruit, the conical chili pepper, which is big, heart-shaped and bright red to reddish yellow. The thick-fleshed pepper can be between 3 and 4 inches long, with a shoulder width of 2 to 2 1/2 inches.
Cultivation
The pimento grows best under full sun, in clay loam or sandy loam soils. Moist soil works the best with the Capsicum annuum. Pimento pepper plants require cultivation similar to that of bell peppers, and need to be planted directly into gardens are seeds, or first planted in a seedbed or a transplant production container. The seedlings are ready to be transplanted when they are 6 to 10 inches high. Space the plants between 24 and 30 apart, in rows that are 3 or 4 feet apart. The plants, which can be grown in containers, require regular watering but dislike over watering.
Diseases and Pests
Diseases and pests are seldom problematic for pimento pepper plants. However, the plant is occasionally susceptible to pests such as spider mites, caterpillars, aphids and beetles.
Culinary Uses
Pimento peppers are the primary variety of peppers that are used for canning purposes. The peppers are used for their fleshy insides, with the seeds, outer peels and seed tissues eliminated first. The peppers are rich sources of both vitamin C and A. They are commonly used for flavoring in cheeses, sandwich spreads, vegetable dishes, meat products and salads. Their bright color also adds a bit of pizazz to food products. The peppers are commonly used as salad dressing coloring and for stuffed olives.
Tags: Pimento peppers, peppers used, bell peppers, Capsicum annuum, commonly used, pepper plants