Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden
Pimientos di Padron Chilli
- Regular price
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£1.99 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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£1.99
The Pimientos de Padrón are a specific cultivar of Capsicum annuum, the most widely cultivated chilli species globally. Their name directly refers to their origin: the municipality of Padrón in the province of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. For centuries, these peppers have been a culinary staple in the region, traditionally harvested when green and relatively immature for their characteristic mild flavour and unique texture. Their tradition is deeply rooted in local agricultural practices and is celebrated in annual festivals.
| Quantity of Seeds | 10 seeds per packet |
| Origin | Galicia, Spain |
| Genus | Capsicum annuum |
| Scoville Rating/Heat Level | This is where the fun (and slight risk!) comes in! Most Pimientos de Padrón pods are very mild, typically registering between 500 to 2,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). However, the famous "roulette" aspect means that approximately 1 in 10 to 1 in 20 pods can be significantly hotter, sometimes reaching up to 5,000 SHU or even higher under stress. The majority will offer a gentle, sweet pepper flavour, making that occasional hot one a thrilling surprise rather than an unbearable inferno. |
| Plant Size | The Pimientos de Padrón plant is a productive and moderately sized grower, typically reaching a height of 60-90 cm (24-36 inches). It develops a bushy, somewhat spreading habit, supporting a generous amount of fruit. It's known for its abundant yield of small, distinctive pods. |
| Pod Size | The pods themselves are relatively small, slender, and elongated, typically measuring 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in length and about 1.5-2.5 cm (0.6-1 inch) in diameter, tapering to a point. They are almost always harvested when they are a glossy bright green and relatively young, before they develop too much heat or fully ripen to red. |
| Flavour | The flavour of the Pimientos de Padrón is what truly sets them apart and makes them so desirable. When cooked (most famously pan-fried in olive oil), they develop a sweet, nutty, and slightly grassy flavour with a wonderfully tender yet firm texture. There's a subtle inherent "pepperiness" that complements their mild heat. The occasional hot one will surprise with a clean, sharp burst of capsaicin. They are traditionally served simply with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, allowing their unique flavour to shine through. They are also excellent in omelettes, grilled with other vegetables, or incorporated into Spanish tapas dishes. |
| Growing Conditions |
Padrón peppers thrive in warm, sunny conditions and well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant them outdoors when temperatures remain consistently above 60°F (16°C). Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as peppers prefer slightly dry conditions between watering. With proper care, these plants will produce an abundant harvest of delicious, small peppers throughout the growing season. |
All plants are grown on our farm in Norfolk, UK and are grown in an open pollinated area.
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