Red kapaya pepper

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!

The red kapaya pepper, also known as the red flesh pepper, is a sweet, juicy, thick-fleshed vegetable in the pepper family, which is a favourite in many European cuisines for its unique flavour and bright colour. Originating in South America, it was introduced to Europe by the Spaniards and later became popular in the Balkans, especially in Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. In Hungary, the paprika is an important part of the gastronomy and is also becoming increasingly important on the farmers’ market. It is a vegetable with a very high content of vitamin C and antioxidants, which helps to strengthen the immune system and has positive effects on the digestive system and skin health.

Specificities of its production

The season for red kapaya peppers is mainly from July to October, but with the right technology, they can be grown all year round in a greenhouse. In Europe, it is mainly grown in Romania, Bulgaria and Spain, but is also produced in significant quantities in Hungary. In Hungary, there are large greenhouse farms around Szentes, Kecskemét and Szeged, where the production of capers is steadily increasing. Hungarian products are most commonly found on shop shelves from July to the end of October, while imported products, mainly from Spain or the Balkans, are more likely to be found during the rest of the year.

How to choose good quality red kapaya peppers?

There are a few important considerations to take into account when choosing a good quality red kapaya pepper:

• Colour: choose bright red peppers with an even, shiny skin.
• Texture: the flesh should be thick, firm and firm to the touch.
• Non-damaging: avoid pieces that are stained, soft or damaged.
• Size: medium size is ideal, as they are generally riper and more juicy.

How to use this vegetable in the kitchen?

Red kapaya pepper is a very versatile vegetable in the kitchen:

• Excellent eaten fresh in salads and sandwiches.
• Baked or grilled, it is an excellent side dish with meat.
• A delicious ingredient in various soups and stews.
• As a stuffed pepper with minced meat and rice, it is a perfect dish.
• It is also an excellent base for sauces and cream soups.

How to store red kapaya peppers?

After purchase, capers are best stored in the vegetable compartment of the fridge, where they will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks. It’s a good idea to cover with paper towels to prevent moisture from spoiling it quickly. If you buy larger quantities and want to keep them for longer, you can store them sliced and frozen in airtight bags or boxes for months.

Interesting facts about the paprika

• The red kapaya pepper is one of the peppers with one of the highest vitamin C content among peppers, even exceeding that of lemons.
• Its original name in the Balkans is “kapia”, a word of Turkish origin meaning “gate”, referring to the characteristic shape of the pepper.
• In Bulgaria and Romania, there is a long tradition of preserving roasted paprika for the winter.

Tips for using this paprika

• Bake whole in the oven, then remove the skin and use for salads or creams.
• Make a tasty pepper sauce or ajvar to serve with toast or grilled meats.
• Use it to colour grilled dishes, chicken dishes or fish dishes.
• Stuffed, grilled with cheese and herbs, it is a simple yet spectacular dish to serve.