Peppers come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. You’ve probably seen red, green, and yellow peppers at your local grocery store. But have you ever seen a purple pepper? These are relatively rare, but they’re increasingly being grown by home gardeners. So, what are purple peppers? How do you grow peppers? What do they taste like? Are they healthy for you? Here’s everything you need to know about these odd colored peppers.
What are Purple Peppers?
Purple peppers are a type of pepper that belongs to the Capsicum annum family. This family also includes bell peppers, jalapeños, and cayenne peppers. All of these types of peppers share a similar flavor profile, but purple peppers are unique in that they have a slightly sweeter taste than their relatives.
How Do You Grow Them?
If you’re interested in growing your own purple peppers, there are a few things you should know. First of all, they need full sun in order to thrive—so make sure you plant them in an area of your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. Secondly, they like warm temperatures—between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Lastly, make sure you water your plants regularly; purple peppers need about an inch of water per week.
What Do They Taste Like?
As we mentioned before, purple peppers have a slightly sweeter taste than other types of pepper. They also have a bit of a tangy flavor that is reminiscent of berries. When cooked, Purple Peppers still retain some of their sweetness, but they also become much milder—making them the perfect addition to many different types of dishes.
Are Purple Peppers Healthy for You?
Yes! Like all other types of pepper, these peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C. They also contain Vitamins A and B6, as well as potassium and folic acid. Purple peppers also have a high concentration of antioxidants, which have been linked with a number of health benefits including reducing inflammation and protecting against certain chronic diseases.
How Can You Tell if a Purple Pepper is Ripe?
When selecting purple peppers at the grocery store or farmers market, make sure to choose ones that are firm and brightly colored. Avoid any peppers that have soft spots or blemishes; these ones will not be as flavorful as the others. To test for ripeness, gently press on the pepper—if it’s ripe, it should give slightly under your fingers.
Can You Use Purple Peppers in Hot Sauce?
Absolutely! In fact, we think peppers would make an excellent addition to hot sauce thanks to their sweetness and tanginess. Small Axe Peppers has considered making a purple pepper hot sauce, but so far it has been hard to find any consistent source for peppers which would make this sauce available year round.
Peppers are a delicious and healthy addition to many different dishes—and they’re surprisingly easy to grow at home too! So why not give them a try next time you’re in the kitchen? We think you’ll be impressed by their flavor (not to mention their gorgeous color).