What are Jimmy Nardello peppers?
Part of our Ultimate Guide to Fruits and Vegetables. Click to see more answers to your questions.
Cooked or raw?
Jimmy Nardello’s peppers are a type of sweet Italian frying pepper known for their thin skin and unique flavor. Named after the Italian immigrant who brought the seeds to the United States, these peppers are often used in Italian cuisine.
According to Zingerman’s Roadhouse:
The Nardello can be traced back to Giuseppe and Angella Nardello, who grew it in their garden year after year in their Italian village, Ruoti. In 1887, they came to America with their daughter Anna and the seeds of their beloved pepper. After settling in Naugatuck, Connecticut, they started up a garden where they could plant these seeds.
They are prized for their sweetness and lack of bitterness, making them ideal for frying, pickling or eating raw.
Heirloom pepper
Heirloom seeds are varieties that have been passed down through generations, often within a family or community, because of their valued traits. They are typically open-pollinated, meaning they rely on natural pollination methods such as wind, insects, or birds, rather than human intervention. This allows the plants to produce seeds that will grow into new plants with the same characteristics as the parent plant.
The peppers grow to about six to nine inches long and have a bright red color when fully ripe. They have a distinctive wrinkled appearance and are quite versatile in the kitchen. You can sauté them with garlic and olive oil, add them to salads for a sweet crunch, or use them as a topping for pizza.
Red or green?
Jimmy Nardello’s peppers typically take about 80 to 90 days to mature from transplanting. This time frame can vary slightly depending on growing conditions such as temperature, soil quality, and sunlight. The peppers will first turn green and then gradually ripen to a bright red color, indicating they are fully mature and at their sweetest. You can eat Jimmy Nardello’s peppers when they are green, though they are sweeter and more flavorful when fully ripe and red. When green, they have a slightly different taste but are still delicious and can be used in various dishes.
Easy to grow
Jimmy Nardello’s peppers have become a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike for their flavor and ease of growth. They thrive in warm climates and can be grown in various soil types, making them accessible to many home gardeners. These peppers typically take about 80 to 90 days to mature from transplanting. This time frame can vary slightly depending on growing conditions such as temperature, soil quality, and sunlight.
Where to buy seeds
You can find Jimmy Nardello’s pepper seeds from several reputable seed companies. Some well-known sellers include Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, and Seed Savers Exchange. These companies offer a variety of heirloom and specialty seeds, ensuring you get high-quality seeds for your garden. Additionally, you might find these seeds at local nurseries or garden centers, particularly those that specialize in heirloom or organic varieties.
