Many people consider peppers to be bell peppers' scalding relatives. That being said, there are 4,000 kinds of chilli peppers worldwide, and new ones are constantly being developed. Sweet and hot peppers originated in Mexico and Central and South America. Since then, their cultivation and consumption have expanded globally. In particular, hot peppers appear to have a cult following too. Asia is known for spicier food and Indian curries are famous for spice and fried chillies as a side.
The majority of home gardeners purchase pepper plants from the garden nursery instead of growing from seed because peppers have a long growing season (60 to 90 days). But if you want to cultivate your own, you can start pepper seeds indoors. Take a look at these varieties to grow!
Sweet Pepper Varieties To Grow
Sweet peppers' mild flavour characteristics make them ideal for stuffing, grilling, or pickling because they don't overpower other foods. These are a few of the most common varieties of sweet peppers that are simple to grow.
Anaheim Pepper
Anaheim peppers are light green chilli peppers that roast to a gentle sweetness and have a vibrant, acidic bite when raw. These are large enough to be used in dishes like chilli rellenos that call for stuffed peppers. Their versatile flavour allows them to be used instead of bell peppers in dishes that call for a little spiciness.
Banana Pepper
Banana peppers, sometimes referred to as banana chillies, yellow wax peppers, or Hungarian sweets, are mild peppers that range in colour from bright yellow to pale green. The long, uniform shape of banana peppers is similar to that of a banana, and their skin is silky. They are often left whole, stuffed for appetisers, or pickled and cut into banana pepper rings.
Bell Pepper
Bell peppers (also known as sweet peppers) are considered vegetables in cooking because of their flavour and texture. Bell peppers are a staple in the produce section and have a score of zero on the Scoville scale. Green bell peppers have a more bitter flavour profile than orange and yellow bell peppers, while red bell peppers have the sweetest taste of all bell peppers.
Spicy Peppers To Grow In Your Garden
Are you looking to expand your list of cultivars for this year? Chilis can add a much-need kick to a dish. Additionally, new and hotter types are continuously being created. Check it out!
Jalapeno Peppers
This is the first pepper that, for most people, starts feeling “hot”. Their origins are suspected to trace back to the area near Veracruz, Mexico, and although they are so old, it is hard to be certain. In Mexican cuisine, they are a key element in dishes like nachos, tacos, and chilli. Roasting or grilling jalapeños can enhance their flavour by adding smokiness. Enjoy them in mild salsas, vegetarian chillies, or as these cheese-stuffed vegetarian jalapeño poppers!
Fresno Peppers
Fresno was created in 1952. They appear and taste like jalapeno peppers but can be significantly hotter and are characterised by many as having a smokey flavour. They can often be used in place of jalapenos. Grilling or roasting Fresno peppers brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavour, making them a fantastic topping for pizzas, in addition to sandwiches, or eaten alongside grilled meats.
Cayenne Peppers
Cayenne peppers often grow to 4”-10” long and are usually red or green. Cayenne has become famous throughout India and is used in red chilli powder and is usually processed into a dry spice or chilli flakes, which you will generally find at the store. This plant can be a great addition if you want to add fresh spices in your kitchen cabinet.