From the GreenSuites Coffee Restaurant we’d like to delve deeper into one of the most common ingredients used worldwide — the pepper — to understand its origins, its varieties and possible uses in the kitchen all in more detail. Keep reading to learn more about the ever popular pepper and take note of our recipe recommendations below. Curious to try them out?
Different Types of Peppers
Although peppers are ideally consumed in the summer, which is their peak season, the truth is that they can be purchased all year round in shops, either in local markets or in large supermarkets. Peppers are one of the most common ingredients found in kitchens. In different geographical locations, they are also known by other names such as chiles. Additionally, as we go into detail below, there is a wide range of varieties differing in colours, shapes and sizes.
Today, with the exception of local varieties, the largest producer in the world is China. And in Spain, peppers are mainly grown in greenhouses, the richest area being Almeria, which produces more than half of the national production. Murcia and Granada are close behind and the rest is spread over other areas of Spain. There are also family gardens that grow for their own consumption.
In short, it is a basic ingredient in any pantry and can offer that special touch that characterizes some local gastronomies throughout Spain. In this sense, some of the most famous local varieties are Padrón peppers, originally from the valley of Herbón, the Mediterranean ñoras, the piquillo peppers or paprika from La Vera in Extremadura. In addition, with respect to the colour, peppers can be found in green, red, yellow or orange.
Nutritional Properties
In terms of their properties, peppers provide the body with large amounts of fibre, protein and water. In addition, with respect to vitamins and minerals, they contain calcium, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin A. Therefore, peppers are undoubtedly an essential ingredient not only because of their complete composition, but also because of the wide range of culinary possibilities they offer in the kitchen. A food product beneficial for our health and delicious to the palate, what more could you ask for?
Recipes with Peppers
Peppers are highly versatile in the kitchen. They can be incorporated into salads and vinaigrettes when raw, fried, roasted in the oven or even dried, and can even be prepared for seasoning such as paprika, black or white pepper. In any case, and they are cooked as they are, peppers are essential to create a delicious base of flavour in Spanish stews and rice dishes like paella or chicken and rice. Take note of the following ideas and enjoy the different gastronomic flavours that peppers offer:
– Cod with roasted peppers
– Stuffed peppers with meat
– Patatas a lo Pobre
– Tomato, onion and bell pepper ratatouille
– Chicken breasts stuffed with vegetables and pepper puree
– Morrón pepper sauce
As you can see, peppers fit into many and varied recipes, so if you’ve run out of this delicious ingredient in your pantry, make sure to jot it down on your weekly shopping list to pick up at the grocery store to use throughout the week.
