With the support of our stable Hungarian producer base, this vegetable is always available in high quality in our wholesale assortment – ask us for an offer!
What you need to know about hot peppers?
The pointed hot pepper, also commonly known as hot paprika in Hungary, is a very popular vegetable with a distinctive flavour. It originated in Central and South America and was first introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus. In Hungary, it has become an essential part of the culinary culture, being a much sought-after product among lovers of flavour.
Among its health benefits are its high vitamin C content, which supports the immune system, and its capsaicin content, which has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting effects. It also contains vitamins A and B and antioxidants that help protect the body against free radicals.
Its economic importance is growing steadily, as it is in high demand in Europe, especially in Hungary and the Mediterranean countries. Significant quantities are grown in Spain, Hungary and Italy.
Specificities of growing strong pointed peppers
In Hungary, hot peppers are grown mainly in greenhouses and under glasshouses, although they can also be found outdoors during the summer months. The season usually lasts from June to October, but modern cultivation techniques mean that fresh local produce is available from April to the end of November.
Spain is the largest producer in the European Union, but Hungary also ranks high in the production ranking. From May to November, most of the produce on the shelves is domestic, while in winter and early spring it is mainly imported, mainly from Spain or Morocco.
How to choose good quality hot peppers?
When shopping, look out for the following:
- The peppers should be bright, brightly coloured and have a smooth, undamaged surface.
- The peppers should be firm to the touch, elastic, not wilted or soft.
- Avoid peppers with mottled, cracked or wrinkled skin, as they have lost their freshness.
- The green stems should be fresh, not dry or brown.
How to use this vegetable in the kitchen?
The pointed hot pepper is excellent for seasoning, grilling, stuffing and baking. It is often used to season stews, soups, salsas, sauces, pickles and Hungarian dishes such as fish soup or goulash. It also goes well with grilled meats, sausages and cheeses.
How to store after purchase?
When storing strong pointed peppers, take the following precautions:
- Store in the vegetable compartment of the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.
- Do not wash in advance, only immediately before use.
- If you want to preserve it, it can be frozen, but in this case it is better to use it in cooked dishes.
Interesting facts about hot peppers
- Capsaicin, which gives peppers their spiciness, is not soluble in water, only in fats or alcohol, so dairy products such as yoghurt or milk can help reduce the burning sensation caused by the spicy taste.
- The hotness of peppers is measured on the Scoville scale; Hungarian hot peppers usually have a value of 3000-10 000 SHU.
- In Hungary, paprika is of such cultural importance that a museum has even been founded in its honour in Kalocsa.
Tips for using hot peppers in the kitchen
- Make a fresh salsa sauce with tomatoes, red onion, coriander and lemon juice.
- Stuffed and baked, it is a great starter, for example stuffed with cream cheese or feta cheese.
- Sliced and sautéed in olive oil with garlic and fresh basil, it is the perfect topping for pasta.
- Thinly sliced, it’s also a great choice for homemade pizza or sandwiches, adding a strong, savoury flavour.