piquillos

Piquillos are a type of sweet, mild pepper that are widely used in Spanish cuisine, particularly in the region of Andalusia. They belong to the species Capsicum annuum and are commonly known in English as “sweet piquillo” or “fire pepper” due to their characteristic bright red color after ripening. The peppers are typically harvested when they have reached a deep orange‑red hue and before they become overly fibrous.

In cultivation, piquillos are grown in Mediterranean climates with warm, sunny summers and mild winters. They are usually planted in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed, and are well suited to a range of soil types provided they have good drainage. Farmers cultivate them partly for their ease of handling and partly for their desirable flavor profile: a slightly sweet, smoky taste that lacks the strong heat associated with many other varieties of Capsicum. The peppers are generally free of bitterness and their flesh is soft and easily peelable once cooked.

Culinary uses for piquillos in Spain include stuffing the peppers with cheese, seafood, meat, or rice, as in the classic pisto manchego or the Andalusian dish piquillos rellenos. They are also ground into a spreadable paste known as pimiento de piquillo or blended with mayo for a piquillo mayo that heralds the true Spanish culinary culture. The peppers can also be roasted or fried, or thinly sliced for garnishes and salads. When combined with olive oil and salt, the piquillos form a classic and ready-to-serve Spanish tapa.

Nutritionally, piquillos provide modest amounts of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. They also contain small amounts of vitamin A, folate, copper, and magnesium. When stored properly in the fridge, a few weeks of liquid and small, heat‑treated peppers keep their antioxidant properties intact, making them a healthy alternative to many strongly flavored bell peppers. The Spanish import and export market for these peppers has grown in recent years, driven both by local demand and a rising interest in gourmet cooking among consumers worldwide.