Peppadew A South African Pepper

The Peppadew or sweet piquanté pepper is grown in South Africa but it is thought to have originated in Central America. Its lineage can be traced back to the Habenero pepper but how it got transported to South Africa and how it morfed into to its present day form remains a bit of a mystery. None of that really matters now because the Peppadew has arrived in America and is getting easier to find.

Peppadews are picked and pitted and then subjected to pickleling brine that is made from sugar, vinegar, salt, and spices, as well as a lot of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C-30mg/ 1 oz. serving) and calcium chloride (an ingredient used to artificially make pickled products crisp) which is why they are so crisp.

The Peppadew looks like and is about the same size as a cherry tomato. They are available in both hot and mild forms. How the same fruit can exhibit the differences in heat also remains a mystery. The flavor of the mild version has mild heat and a sweet after taste. This unique taste is a bit incongruous at first but after several samplings the mild heat and the sweetness blend into a pleasant tasting crisp fruit. The flavor of the hot version has the same sweet after taste but exhibits much more heat and it is equally enjoyable as the mild version. This "fruit" is very versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes and salads. They are pitted so stuffing them with various items is very easy.

Try them stuffed with feta cheese, garil cloves, blue cheese or mozzarella.