When it comes to fruits and vegetables, there is an abundance of variety to explore. From the classic red bell pepper to the exotic shishito pepper, each one offers a unique flavor and culinary experience. Let’s dive into the world of peppers and discover ten exceptional varieties that are sure to delight your taste buds.
Key Takeaways
1. ‘Ace’
‘Days to maturity: 50 days green, 70 days red’
Let’s begin our journey with ‘Ace,’ a pepper that has been a favorite among home gardeners for over three decades. While its small fruits may not be as blocky as those of main-season bells, ‘Ace’ is an extremely reliable producer. It shines in cool climates where peppers can be challenging to grow, making it a valuable addition to any garden.
2. ‘Olympus’
‘Days to maturity: 65 days green, 85 days red’
Next up is ‘Olympus,’ a pepper that produces large green to red main-season bells reminiscent of those found in supermarkets. It performs exceptionally well in most parts of the country, except for the far north. An added bonus is its resistance to three types of bacterial leaf spot, ensuring healthy plants and bountiful yields.
3. ‘Flavorburst’
‘Days to maturity: 67 days green, 87 days ripe yellow’
If you’re looking for a pepper with a vibrant pop of color, ‘Flavorburst’ is an excellent choice. Its elongated fruits start off as lime green and ripen into a beautiful golden yellow. But it’s not just the vibrant hue that makes ‘Flavorburst’ special—the taste is truly exceptional. Its sweet flavor surpasses that of most other bell peppers, making it a standout in any dish.
4. ‘Lunchbox’
‘Days to maturity: 55 to 63 days green, 75 to 83 days ripe’
For a snack-sized treat, look no further than ‘Lunchbox’ peppers. Available in yellow, orange, and red, or as a seed mix that includes all three colors, these peppers are packed with flavor. Whether enjoyed raw or lightly cooked, their 2 to 3-inch-long fruits will leave you craving more. With abundant production and large, upright plants, ‘Lunchbox’ peppers are a delightful addition to any garden.
5. ‘Glow’, ‘Aura’, and ‘Lipstick’
‘Days to maturity: 53 to 55 days green, 73 to 75 days ripe’
Now let’s explore a trio of pimiento peppers: ‘Glow,’ ‘Aura,’ and ‘Lipstick.’ These peppers share a similar shape, but they boast bigger fruits and thicker walls than their snack-sized counterparts. Their early maturity, adaptability, and tolerance to cool weather make them an ideal choice for any gardener. With fruits averaging 4 to 5 inches in length, each variety offers a slightly different flavor while maintaining excellent quality.
6. ‘Carmen’ and ‘Escamillo’
‘Days to maturity: 60 days green, 80 days ripe’
For peppers that truly stand out in terms of flavor and fruit quality, ‘Carmen’ and ‘Escamillo’ are hard to beat. These ‘Corno di Toro’ type peppers feature long, pointed fruits that are sweet and thick-walled. They can be enjoyed raw in salads or prepared by roasting or sautéing. Both varieties are proud winners of the All-America Selections award, which speaks volumes about their exceptional attributes.
7. ‘Cornito Rosso’ and ‘Cornito Giallo’
‘Days to maturity: 55 to 60 days green, 75 to 80 days red’
If you’re in search of peppers with a unique twist, look no further than ‘Cornito Rosso’ and ‘Cornito Giallo.’ These “half-size” ‘Corno di Toro’ type peppers offer a scaled-down version of the traditional bull’s horn pepper. With their sweet and flavorful taste, they are a delight whether consumed raw or cooked. ‘Cornito Giallo’ even holds the prestigious All-America Selections award, showcasing its outstanding qualities.
8. ‘Mellow Star’
‘Days to maturity: 60 days green, 80 days red’
Traditional Japanese shishito peppers have gained popularity worldwide, favored by both high-end chefs and home cooks. ‘Mellow Star’ is a prime example of these thin-walled peppers, perfect for tempura or sautéing. While shishitos are typically cooked green in Japan, thinly sliced red fruits can add a splash of color and a touch of sweetness to salads and coleslaws.
9. ‘Goddess’
‘Days to maturity: 63 days yellow, 83 days red’
When it comes to pickled peppers, ‘Goddess’ is the ideal choice. As a ‘Sweet Banana’ type pepper, it is known for its early maturity, tolerance to cool weather, and high yield. ‘Goddess’ is widely adapted, making it a reliable option for any gardener. While these peppers are typically pickled when yellow, they can also be enjoyed raw. Although mildly flavored, they add a delightful tang when pickled.
10. ‘Biscayne’
‘Days to maturity: 60 days pale green, 80 days red’
Last but not least, we have ‘Biscayne,’ a ‘Cubanelle’ pepper commonly used in the cuisines of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Whether fried or stuffed, this sweet pepper excels in flavor. ‘Biscayne’ can withstand relatively cool conditions, ensuring substantial yields of big, 6-inch-long fruits.
As you can see, the world of peppers is vast and exciting. From the reliable ‘Ace’ to the versatile ‘Biscayne,’ each variety brings something unique to the table. So why not spice up your garden and culinary adventures by growing and enjoying these exceptional peppers? For more gardening tips and to explore a wide range of high-quality seeds, visit Ames Farm Center and start your pepper adventure today!
