Cubanelle Pepper: A Sweet and Versatile Delight

Cubanelle peppers, also known as “Cuban pepper”, are a variety of sweet peppers that are popular in many cuisines. They are mild, with a sweet flavor and a little bit of heat. Think of Cubanelle as a sweeter, more flavorful bell pepper, and you’ll get why these peppers are so popular.

The sweetness of the Cubanelle pepper is even more pronounced when it’s fully ripe and has turned from green to its mature red color. And frying this chili with a little olive oil releases that sweetness even more.  Fried up, they are great on their own or on subs like the ever-popular sausage and pepper sandwich. These sandwiches traditionally feature the Cubanelles are also terrific in salads and soups, as well as on pizza. It’s also a terrific chili for fresh mild salsa, especially if you like your salsa on the sweeter tasting side. 

Physical Characteristics

Cubanelle peppers are medium-sized, typically growing to about 6 to 8 inches long. They are slightly curved and have a tapered, elongated shape. When fully ripe, they transition from green to a soft yellow or light red hue. The skin is smooth, and the flesh is crisp and firm, offering a satisfying texture when cooked. Unlike some of their spicier counterparts, Cubanelle peppers have a very mild heat level, typically ranging between 0 and 1,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHUs), which is far milder than peppers like jalapeños or serranos.

Taste Profile

The Cubanelle pepper is prized for its sweet, mild, and slightly tangy flavor. The taste is delicate and subtle, which allows it to complement rather than overpower the other ingredients in a dish. While some peppers can be pungent or spicy, the Cubanelle is refreshingly mild, making it suitable for those who are sensitive to heat but still want to enjoy the flavor of fresh peppers. Its flavor profile is often described as “fruity” and “sweet,” adding a hint of natural sweetness to various recipes.

Nutritional Value

In addition to their great taste, Cubanelle peppers are low in calories and packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune health and helps the body absorb iron. They also contain small amounts of vitamin A, fiber, and various antioxidants. These nutrients make them a healthy addition to any diet, offering a boost of vitamins and minerals with minimal calories.

Growing Cubanelle Peppers

Cubanelle peppers thrive in warm climates, and they are often grown in regions with long growing seasons. They are typically planted after the last frost and harvested in late summer or early fall. The plants need plenty of sun and well-drained soil to grow properly. If you’re growing them at home, they can be easily cultivated in containers or garden beds, and they are relatively low-maintenance.

Cubanelle peppers are a fantastic addition to any culinary repertoire.

Their mild heat, sweet flavor, and versatility make them an excellent choice for a variety of dishes.

Culinary Uses

Cubanelle peppers are extremely versatile in the kitchen. One of the most popular methods of cooking them is frying. Their mild sweetness and tender texture make them ideal for sautéing, pan-frying, or grilling. The peppers can be sliced into strips and cooked with onions, garlic, and olive oil, often served as a side dish or as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, or pizzas. In Italian cuisine, Cubanelle peppers are often incorporated into frittatas, pasta dishes, or used as a filling for stuffed peppers. In Latin American cooking, Cubanelle peppers are often used in salsas, stews, and tacos, where their mild heat adds flavor without overwhelming the palate. They are also commonly used in sofrito, a flavorful base made by sautéing vegetables such as peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, which is used to start many Caribbean and Latin dishes. Cubanelle peppers can also be pickled or roasted, both methods enhancing their natural sweetness while adding a depth of flavor. When roasted, the skin can be easily peeled off, and the flesh becomes soft and smoky, ideal for adding to salads, wraps, or Mediterranean dips like baba ganoush.

Poppee’s “Original Crunch” Peppers

Trio

Poppee’s Trio “Original Crunch” peppers combine Anaheim, Cubanelle and Poblano peppers with oil and spices which are known for their deliciously unique flavor profiles. All our peppers products contain a special blend of ingredients which result in the Poppee’s “Original Crunch” peppers. Poppee’s grows, picks, and processes fresh locally sourced ingredients enhancing their taste. The quick cold pickled process allows for the fresh flavors and irresistible crisp texture which has come to be known as Poppee’s Trio “Original Crunch” peppers.

Order our

“Trio” “Original Crunch”

Single jar

$7.79

Two Jar

$14.81

Three Jar

$21.03

Order our

Hungarian “Original Crunch”

Single Jar

$7.79

Two Jar

$14.81

Three Jar

$21.03