PEPPERS
Peppers are a colorful staple of Italian summer cooking. Here you’ll find everything you need to know—from varieties and seasonality to storage tips, Italian traditions, and delicious pepper recipes.
Quick Facts
Botanical Name
Capsicum annuum
Family
Solanaceae
Native To
Central and South America
Peak Season
June to September, with sweet Italian peppers at their best during the warm summer months.
Italian Growing Regions
Campania, Sicilia, Puglia, Calabria, Basilicata, Piemonte, and other warm growing areas throughout Italy.
Flavor
Sweet, fresh, and slightly grassy, becoming richer and more intensely sweet when roasted or cooked.
Texture
Crisp and juicy when raw, becoming soft, silky, and tender when roasted, grilled, or sautéed.
Best Uses
Peperonata, pasta, grilling, roasting, stuffed peppers, salads, antipasti, sauces, side dishes, and traditional Italian recipes.
Storage
Refrigerate peppers unwashed in the crisper drawer and use within about one week for the best flavor and texture.
Learn About Peppers
Pepper Recipes
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