All About Pimentos (2024)

Whether they're stuffed in the olive in your martini glass, pureed in a cheese dip, or dried and turned into paprika, pimentos, which are sweet peppers most closely associated with Spain, are a triple treat. They work as a garnish, an ingredient, and a spice. How's that for versatile?

What Are Pimentos?

Pimentos, also referred to as pimientos, are a type of pepper with a sweet flavor and very little heat. This nightshade is also known as a cherry pepper because of its red color and round, heart-shaped fruit. They usually measure about 3 to 4 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide, with a short, thick green stem.

It's possible you've consumed pimentos and don't even know it. Some regions of Spain and the United States use pimentos in their mix of paprika, a popular spice made by grounding various peppers to a fine powder. Many chefs prefer the mild, sweet flavor of paprika made with pimentos over the heat of other spices, such as cayenne.

How to Use Pimentos

As with other peppers, you discard the stems when prepping them. It's commonly diced and stuffed into Spanish or Manzanilla olives in Mediterranean cuisine. Stateside, pimento-stuffed olives make a traditional garnish for martinis and are found in the pimento loaves our grandmas used to slice and serve for sandwiches.

Pimentos are also a key ingredient for a favorite dinner party appetizer, pimento cheese, sometimes referred to as "the caviar of the South," as a spread on crackers or bread. Or stuff them with rice or cheese and serve them as a handheld appetizer on their own, like in stuffed mini peppers.

Beyond those applications, you can use pimentos anywhere you'd use a bell pepper. Think about Mexican fare, chilis, and soups, as they're great with beans and in tacos, but also mixed in with pasta, risotto, and other grains, too.

What Do They Taste Like?

Pimentos are sweet and mild, and unlikely to cause trouble if you cannot tolerate spicy peppers. They register between 100 and 500 heat units on the Scoville scale, making them one of the mildest of all the chile peppers. Think of them as a sweeter and more aromatic red bell pepper. In comparison to the heat of a jalapeño pepper, pimentos are about 40 times milder.

Still, if you're looking to add the tiniest bit of zip to a dish—and some mystery, too, as it's not a familiar ingredient to many people—a pimento will definitely do the trick. Once you've tried them, you will be able to instantly recognize their unmistakable sweet and slightly peppery presence.

Pimento Recipes

Olives with pimentos are great additions to appetizer plates and can be tossed with pasta. They make their way into so many dips and spreads because they add so much flavor and color. Mixed with mayo, hot sauce, cheddar, and cream cheeses, they bring a sweet tang as a condiment on all kinds of sandwiches and burgers. Add them as a surprise ingredient to soups, pasta dishes, and salads. Macaroni and pimento cheese, anyone?

Where to Buy Pimentos

In the grocery store, pimentos are typically found jarred, stocked with the olives and pickles. However, if your grocery store has a self-serve olive bar, it's possible they're available there—which is always nice because you can buy only what you need or try them without having to buy a whole jar.

In larger supermarkets or those that stock a wider variety of produce, you can purchase fresh cherry peppers. They're easy to find once you know what you're looking for.

If you're fond of them and you've got space, you can grow them at home, but their cycle is pretty long, so they tend to do best in climates that are conducive to outdoor growing. In gardens and yards, they do best in a south- or west-facing location with a steady supply of water and are ready when they show their classic shiny red color. As with other peppers, they're typically harvested in late summer to early fall.

For a fun kitchen project, you can make your own paprika by taking your homegrown peppers, drying them in the sun or on low heat in the oven, and grinding them in a blade grinder. It's a good idea to blanch them first before dehydrating them.

Storage

The jarred variety will keep in the fridge, once opened, for up to nine months. Fresh pimentos, should you be lucky enough to encounter them at the grocery store or farmers market, will do well in your fridge in the crisper for up to a week, at least, depending on where you bought them, as farmers market produce will usually last longer than what you buy in the grocery store.

For long-term keeping, pimentos can be frozen like any other pepper. Just wash and dry them off. Then it's up to you as to how you want to freeze them: sliced, whole, diced, and so on. They'll be best suited to cooked dishes when you're ready to use them again but, in the meantime, will maintain their quality for about six months.

All About Pimentos (2024)

FAQs

What are the benefits of eating pimento? ›

Pimentos are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K, and are also a good source of vitamin E. Pimentos are low in saturated fats and very low in cholesterol. Pimentos are a good source of essential minerals such as Potassium, Copper, Manganese and Iron.

Are there different types of pimentos? ›

There are many different types of peppers that fall into the umbrella category of pimientos. One is the 'Lipstick' variety, with a bright red color and 3-4″ long pods. Another is the more squat 'Red Ruffled Pimiento' pepper, with a more pumpkin-like shape.

What is the difference between a red pepper and a pimento? ›

But here's the difference between pimentos and any other red peppers. “The flesh of the pimento is sweet, succulent and more aromatic that that of the red bell pepper.”

Can you eat pimentos raw? ›

Pimentos are sweeter than bell peppers. Some varieties of pimentos are hot. They're enjoyed raw, pickled, roasted, and stuffed.

Is pimento good for high blood pressure? ›

Pimento promotes digestive health, warms the body, increases circulation and lowers blood pressure.

Are pimentos anti-inflammatory? ›

The active ingredients in the spice have chemical compounds that eliminate inflammation, making it an ideal spice to give you some relief from arthritis, gout and muscle aches. It also has certain analgesic components that allow for pain reduction in the case of injury or surgical recovery.

Why is it called pimento? ›

Spanish pimiento and Portuguese pimento both come from Latin pigmentum ("pigment; coloring") and came to be used for bell peppers. The English borrowed "pimiento" and "pimento" as loanwords for what is distinguished in Spanish as pimentón and in Portuguese as pimentão.

Why are pimentos called pimentos? ›

Derived from the latin pigmentum meaning "pigment," both the Spanish "pimiento" and Portuguese "pimento" were once names for the bell pepper.

Why do they put pimentos in olives? ›

It's believed that the pimento, arguably the most popular olive stuffing, was used to cut the fruit's bitterness. Then as today, the higher-end olives are often meticulously hand-stuffed while the lower-end-but-still-delicious green olives are usually stuffed by a machine.

Are pimentos just roasted red peppers? ›

Quick Answer: Pimentos can be roasted red peppers, because pimentos are red peppers (and they can be roasted). However, roasted red peppers and pimentos are not always one and the same (because pimentos are only one of many red pepper species that may be roasted).

How long do pimentos last after opening? ›

To maximize the shelf life of canned pimientos after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container. How long do opened canned pimientos last in the refrigerator? Canned pimientos that have been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 3 to 4 days.

What is pimentos in a jar? ›

Pimiento is the Spanish word for pepper. The pimento is a large red sweet pepper, heart shaped, with a sweeter flavor than a bell pepper. Pimentos are packed in tins and jars either strips, sliced or diced. They are the little pepper used to stuff Spanish green olives. This is the same pepper harvested to make paprika.

Are pimentos a fruit or vegetable? ›

noun, plural pi·mien·tos. the ripe, red, mild-flavored fruit of the sweet or bell pepper, Capsicum annuum, used as a vegetable, relish, to stuff olives, etc.

Are pimentos kidney friendly? ›

Avoid pimento

Red pimentos that are stuffed into green olives are actually a variety of a chile pepper (Capsicum annuum) that belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Some PKD individuals get kidney shut down from too much oxalates resulting in irreversible kidney failure. Pimentos are very high in vitamin C.

What seasonings dont raise blood pressure? ›

That said, there are several promising herbs and spices you can incorporate into your diet that may help lower your blood pressure. They include basil, parsley, celery seeds, Chinese cat's claw, Bacopa monnieri, garlic, thyme, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, to name a few.

Is pimento good for pain? ›

Pimento essential oil provides fast acting pain relief. This aromatic oil is a unique extraction which provides numerous benefits such as stimulation of hair growth by removing toxins from the scalp.

Are pimentos high in vitamin K? ›

Like other peppers in the Capsicum genus of nightshade plants, pimentos are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and vitamin K.

What are pimentos made out of? ›

Pimento (also spelled pimiento) peppers are small red peppers that are not at all spicy. They're often called cherry peppers when you find them sold fresh in grocery stores. Pimento peppers are even more mild than red bell peppers. You might recognize them as the little red peppers stuffed inside green olives.

What spice is made from pimento? ›

Allspice

Why do Southerners love pimento cheese? ›

It may have become popular in the South because it didn't spoil easily at room temperature, making it easy to pack in lunchboxes, particularly for textile workers. But it was also fashionable as a sandwich in tea rooms.

What flavor do pimentos add? ›

Unlike traditional grocery-store bell peppers, which are bred for size, resulting in watered-down flavor, the pimentos have a concentrated sweetness and mild pepperiness.

Are canned pimentos good for you? ›

The good: This food is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Riboflavin, Niacin, Potassium, Copper and Manganese, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6 and Iron.

Are olives with pimento good for you? ›

Quick Answer: Green olives with pimentos are good for you for several reasons; they are rich in healthy fats, anti-inflammatory compounds, copper, antioxidants, and Vitamin E. Green olives with pimentos are also great for use in your every day diet as they reduce the risk of heart disease and other heart-complications.

What is healthier black or green olives? ›

Nutritional value: Both green olives and black olives are nutritious, but if you're looking for the healthiest olive option, green wins by a narrow margin. The reason is that green olives tend to be higher in polyphenols (antioxidants with anti-inflammatory benefits) than black olives.

What are green olives with pimentos called? ›

Characterized by their light green appearance, Manzanilla olives are commonly pitted and stuffed with pimento (the classic red filling), garlic paste, or even almonds depending on where you get them from.

Can dogs eat olives? ›

Are Olives Safe for Dogs? Dogs can eat olives in moderation. They contain many vitamins and minerals important for human health, though dogs fed a complete and balanced diet don't need these additional nutrients. However, plain, unsalted olives can be a healthy snack for your pup.

How spicy is pimento? ›

Pimento peppers are some of the mildest peppers around, measuring only 500 - 1,000 Scoville Units on the Scoville Scale. Compare this with the popular jalapeno pepper, which measures in at 2,500 - 8,000 Scoville Heat Units, the hottest pimento would be about 5 times milder than an average jalapeno.

Are pimentos and allspice the same thing? ›

Allspice, also commonly known as pimento, is prized for its complex and versatile flavor. Tasting like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, the humble brown berry is essential in Caribbean and Middle Eastern cooking, and popular in many European style dishes as well.

What is another name for pimento peppers? ›

What is another word for pimiento?
cherry pepperSpanish paprika
allspicepimento

Are pimentos and pimento peppers the same thing? ›

So here's what we know: Pimientos are sweet cherry peppers, ranked one of the lowest and most mild on the Scoville heat index scale. Pimiento is originally a Spanish word that over time evolved into pimento. The derivative of the term actually translates to bell pepper.

How do you keep pimentos fresh? ›

  1. Rinse the peppers with cool water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Cut the top off the pepper. Slice the pepper in two. ...
  3. Preheat an oven to 175 degrees. Place the peppers on a baking sheet and bake for six to 10 hours.
  4. Remove the peppers and store them in glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

How long does a jar of unopened pimentos last? ›

Question of the Day: How long are Jarred pimentos good for? Quick Answer: Jarred pimentos are good for as long as 9 months in a sealed container in the fridge once they are opened. If the Jarred pimentos are left unopened and stored somewhere dry and cool, they may last for up to approximately 5 years.

How long does it take for pimentos to turn red? ›

How to Grow Pimento Pepper | Guide to Growing Pimento Peppers. Large red cherry peppers can first be harvested approximately 80 days after transplanting, and will gradually transition from green to bright red at full maturity (around 100 days).

What crackers go well with pimento cheese? ›

Why Saltines? They're neutral in flavor without tasting like cardboard. They are just salty enough to enhance the pimiento cheese. And they have a crispy, but not too sturdy texture that's just right for spreading or scooping.

What is the difference between paprika and pimento? ›

Typical grocery store paprika is usually machine-dried and lacks the smoky, sweet depth of pimentón. Whereas paprika from the U.S. usually comes from red bell peppers, Spanish pimentón comes from a wide variety of local peppers with differing levels of sweetness and spice.

Where can I use pimento? ›

Pimento is used in sauces, pickling, commercial sausage preparations, and curry powders. It is also used in many dishes, including cakes. It is used to flavor barbecue sauces. Pimento cheese is one of those dishes that generates a great deal of debate and discussion on technique and variations.

Can you eat green pimentos? ›

Should I eat them green? Sure, they are still edible, but they have a raw, green flavor that some may not enjoy. Whatever you do, don't toss them out because you can still ripen those green peppers. The Windowsill Method.

What spices are hard on kidneys? ›

The herbs listed by the National Kidney Foundation as having negative side effects on the renal system included alfalfa, aloe, bayberry, broom, buckthorn, capsicum, cascara, dandelion, ginger, ginseng, horsetail, licorice, ma huang, nettle, noni, pokeroot, rhubarb, senna, wormwood and yohimbe.

What nuts help repair kidneys? ›

Most nuts are not recommended for those with kidney issues, but macadamia nuts are an exception. They contain healthy fats plus B Vitamins.

Is Cinnamon good for your kidneys? ›

Herbs such as garlic, turmeric, and cinnamon are healthy in normal amounts consumed in food. However, in pill form these herbs can alter liver enzymes, thin the blood, and change kidney functions. Poison control centers are full case reports of this happening.

Can pimento grow hair? ›

Hair growth: Pimento extract is an amazing natural oil for hair growth and is included in many scalp oils and products for growth. The oil, when massaged into the scalp stimulates the hair follicles, which then removes the toxins that will stunt hair growth.

Why do they put a pimento in an olive? ›

It's believed that the pimento, arguably the most popular olive stuffing, was used to cut the fruit's bitterness. Then as today, the higher-end olives are often meticulously hand-stuffed while the lower-end-but-still-delicious green olives are usually stuffed by a machine.

What food grows hair extremely fast? ›

The 13 Best Foods for Hair Growth
  • Eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein and biotin, two nutrients that are essential for hair growth. ...
  • Berries. Berries are loaded with beneficial compounds and vitamins that may support hair growth. ...
  • Spinach. ...
  • Fatty fish. ...
  • Sweet potatoes. ...
  • Avocados. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Seeds.

What food makes your hair grow overnight? ›

15 foods that will help your hair grow faster
  • Beans and Legumes. Beans and legumes are full of protein, silica, Vitamin B and zinc which are all essential hair nourishing nutrients. ...
  • Sprouted Pea Protein. ...
  • Brown Rice. ...
  • Almonds. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Spinach. ...
  • Sunflower Seeds. ...
  • Chia Seeds.
Mar 3, 2021

Which herb grows hair the fastest? ›

These are the Top 10 Herbs for Hair Growth
  1. Gingko Biloba. This herb is known to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation. ...
  2. Rosemary. Often used as an oil, either combined with olive oil or by itself, this herb can help with circulation to aid in growth. ...
  3. Peppermint. ...
  4. Aloe Vera. ...
  5. Horsetail. ...
  6. Lavender. ...
  7. Burdock. ...
  8. Stinging Nettle.
Jul 6, 2021

What foods fights pain? ›

10 Foods That Fight Pain
  • Ginger. 1/10. A staple of traditional medicine, this pungent root is probably best known for its anti-nausea, stomach-soothing properties. ...
  • Blueberries. 2/10. ...
  • Pumpkin Seeds. 3/10. ...
  • Salmon. 4/10. ...
  • Turmeric. 5/10. ...
  • Tart Cherries. 6/10. ...
  • Virgin Olive Oil. 7/10. ...
  • Chili Peppers. 8/10.
Aug 11, 2020

What fruit is good for aches and pains? ›

Cherries. High amounts of antioxidants called anthocyanins are the key to cherries' pain-fighting power. In a U.S. Department of Agriculture study, participants who ate 45 Bing cherries a day for 28 days reduced their inflammation levels significantly.

Which plant fruit is used as a pain killer? ›

An extract of the poisonous shrub Jatropha curcas acts as a strong painkiller and may function in a different way than morphine and other pharmaceuticals. Jatropha curcas, also known as the “physic nut”, is a perennial shrub that grows to five metres in height.

What flavor does pimento add? ›

A small, heart-shaped, sweet chile pepper, which may be mild or spicy hot in flavor and somewhat bitter tasting. Red to yellow in color, the flesh of a typical Pimento provides a sweeter flavor with a more noticable aroma than a similar pepper known as the bell pepper.

What is inside pimento? ›

Pimento (also spelled pimiento) peppers are small red peppers that are not at all spicy. They're often called cherry peppers when you find them sold fresh in grocery stores. Pimento peppers are even more mild than red bell peppers. You might recognize them as the little red peppers stuffed inside green olives.

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