Cherry Peppers – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are cherry peppers?

Chances are, you have encountered cherry peppers as a pickled condiment to dress salads, cheese boards, and salads. The fresh variety can also be chopped up and used on items like burgers and omelets. You may have even seen them in the fresh produce section of your supermarket and mistaken them for a cherry tomato.

Cherry peppers are a small red pepper shaped like a pumpkin. They are typically about 1 to 2in wide. They are sometimes confused with pimentos since they have a similar appearance. However, a good way to differentiate is to look at the overall shape of the fresh produce.

One key way to tell the difference between pimentos and cherry tomatoes is by looking at the overall shape. Cherry peppers are more spherical, whereas pimentos are more heart-shaped.

How hot are cherry peppers?

There are a couple of varieties of cherry peppers, and as a result, a variety of different Scoville ratings.

They tend to have a profile that scores between 2,500 and 5,000 on a Scoville scale (right behind jalapenos). They have sweet, watery, flesh, and tough skin. The resilient skin is one of the reasons why this pepper is so popular pickled since it can maintain its crunch.

As such, cherry peppers are ideal for a variety of dishes. The fresh cherry pepper can be used in various ways, including stuffed with cream cheese or wrapped in bacon. They also pair well with pasta, pork, and chicken.

Where did cherry peppers originate from?

These chili peppers originated from Hungary and are typically used in Hungarian dishes for cooking. However, they have become more widely available as they’ve become more popular.

What is the nutritional value of cherry peppers?

Cherry peppers are packed with vitamins C and A as well as capsaicin and iron. The capsaicin is what gives these peppers their heat, and it has been shown to help with inflammation. Vitamin C also provides a bit of an immune boost and can help build collagen within the skin.

It is also believed that cherry peppers can help improve appetite and aid blood circulation.

How are cherry peppers grown?

Cherry peppers are grown just like other pepper varietals. They love warm soil and warm air and require ample irrigation. The plants typically reach about 2ft in size. The peppers are typically harvested when they are uniformly red in color, indicating that they are ripe.

Cherry peppers can typically be harvested between 75 and 80 days after being planted and can be harvested regularly for improved yields.

Since the plants have a modest size, they can sometimes be used for decorative and ornamental plantings.

When are cherry peppers in season?

You will often find fresh cherry peppers in season between the late summer and early fall. You may need to visit a higher-end grocery store to find them fresh, but pickled varieties can be found in salad and tapas bars at certain grocery stores.

How do you pick cherry peppers at the grocery store?

When you are looking at the fresh vegetable section of the supermarket, look for the peppers that bear a slight resemblance to a cherry tomato. They will be bright red, plump, and about 1 or 2in diameter.

If you don’t see a sign for cherry peppers in the grocery store, check for one marked Hungarian peppers since these peppers are commonly used in Hungarian dishes.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered the same day, order cherry peppers through the Instacart app. After adding a product to your cart, you can specify instructions that will help your Instacart shopper select products based on your specific preferences. Shop for cherry peppers.

How to store cherry peppers?

There are a couple of options when it comes to storing your fresh cherry peppers. It is ideal to use them in a couple of weeks and store them in a cool, dark spot in your home. Keep in mind that over time the peppers will dry out. For that reason, we recommend storing them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. If you decide to pickle your cherry peppers, they can last for years.

How to tell if cherry peppers are bad?

Cherry peppers will dry out if you leave them on the counter for too long. A good way to tell if the pepper is bad is if you notice softer skin and wrinkles. The insides will then get mushy and slimy, and mold will begin to grow.

If you are storing the peppers for a long period of time, we recommend washing, drying, and freezing them. This will make sure your peppers stay fresh and don’t lose their heat. Alternatively, you can pickle them in vinegar or olive oil, and they will keep until the seal is broken.

What can I substitute for cherry peppers?

A common substitute for cherry peppers is chili peppers. The exact variety will depend on the use. Since the cherry pepper’s Scoville rating can vary, it really depends on how much heat you desire in your dish. For a close match, we recommend a jalapeno pepper.

If you want something milder, try a peppadew, which is about four times milder than a cherry pepper. If you happen to desire a sweeter pepper, we recommend substituting a red bell pepper.

Where can I find cherry peppers near me?

Think you are ready to experiment with some cherry peppers in your dishes? With the help of Instacart, you no longer have to wonder, “Do I have this fresh produce available near me?” Schedule your next Instacart delivery today and get your fresh produce delivered to your door.

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Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.