There’s something so refreshing about the crisp crunch of a fresh pepper. That is, as long as you’re not biting into a ghost pepper or a habanero.
Thrillist reports that roughly 50,000 pepper varieties are grown worldwide. With that, it feels impossible to recognize them all. Peppers are one of the more unique foods, since each one varies tremendously in its flavor and spice factor. Peppers can range from sweet and tangy to powerfully hot, such as the Caroline reaper, one of the hottest peppers in the world, per PepperHead.com.
While some peppers are more widely known, such as the jalapeño or bell varieties, others fly under the radar and are more popular in certain types of cooking rather than for everyday sweetness or spice. Take the Cubanelle pepper (Capsicum annum Cubanelle) — it’s a sweet to mildly spiced variety that appears in Latin American and Italian cuisines. But what does Cubanelle pepper taste like, and how is it used? Let’s explore the distinctive flavors and versatility of this underrated pepper.
What is a Cubanelle Pepper?
Though it’s formally known as a Cubanelle, this sweet variety has earned the nickname of “Italian frying pepper,” according to Chili Pepper Madness, because it’s commonly cooked with oil in a frying pan and eaten in that manner. The pepper originated in Italy, but over the years, it has become more popular in Latin American cuisine than Italian. Pepper Scale reports that today, most Cubanelles are imported from Dominican Republic.
These peppers are relatively long and narrow, averaging up to 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. While they can have a touch of heat, most of these Italian frying peppers fall at fewer than 1,000 Scoville units (a serrano, for comparison, averages around 10,000 units, per The Seattle Times).
Cubanelles should not be ripe when they’re picked; Chili Pepper Madness reports that these peppers are usually picked unripened, when they’re still yellow-green. They can be used when fully ripe, but they’ll be deep orange or red. The Cubanelle’s flavor is similar to that of an Anaheim or banana pepper, according to HowStuffWorks.
One of the best things about Cubanelles is their versatility. Their thin skin makes them ideal for stuffing and roasting. Their mild, slightly smoky flavor means they work well in a variety of dishes from pizza toppings to the base for salsas and sauces. And their crunchy texture gives a satisfying bite when eaten fresh.
So while the Cubanelle may not be as famous as a jalapeño, it still deserves its place in any pepper lover’s kitchen. Its unique flavor profile and adaptability to different cooking methods makes it an underrated gem among the world’s 50,000+ pepper varieties.
What Do Cubanelle Peppers Taste Like?
When you first bite into a Cubanelle pepper, you’re struck by its distinctly fresh, vegetal flavor with a crisp, juicy texture. As you continue chewing, you detect a mild sweetness that’s reminiscent of bell peppers but with an intriguing extra dimension.
That extra flavor note is often described as having a subtle fruitiness, almost like a hint of citrus. Some tasters liken it to a very mild red pepper or even compare it to the tropically sweet flavor of ají dulce peppers.
Underneath that bright sweetness is an herbal, somewhat grassy backnote. This provides a well-rounded savory quality to balance out the sugar notes. Depending on the specific pepper, you may also pick up a very slight smoky undertone.
While Cubanelles are considered a sweet pepper variety, most have a very mild touch of heat. Their Scoville rating can range from 100-1,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units). For reference, that’s less spicy than a banana pepper and far below the heat of jalapeños.
The beauty of Cubanelles is that gentle tingle of spice complements rather than overpowers the pepper’s other flavors. It provides just enough warmth to keep things interesting as you work your way through a Cubanelle pepper dish.
When cooked, either by frying, roasting or other heating methods, the flavor of Cubanelles evolves even further. The sweetness becomes more pronounced and almost takes on candied notes. At the same time, you’ll taste more pronounced grassiness alongside mild bitterness reminiscent of bell peppers.
If cooked for a prolonged period over high heat like charring or frying in very hot oil, Cubanelles can develop rich umami flavors too. Their natural sugars begin to caramelize, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor experience.
How to Cook with Cubanelle Peppers
Cubanelles fall into the sweet pepper category, but they sometimes have mild heat. This flavor palate helps them play an important role in Latin American cooking, according to Pepper Scale; specifically, they’re common in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic. The pepper is also used in certain sofrito recipes — a mixture that varies by location but typically consists of onions, garlic, and peppers.
One of the most popular ways to prepare Cubanelles is by frying them in oil. This cooking method helps bring out their natural sweetness while adding a touch of smoky flavor. Fried Cubanelle peppers make a delicious side dish or topping for proteins like steak or chicken. You can also stuff them with fillings like chorizo, ground meat, rice, beans, cheese and bake them similarly to stuffed bell peppers.
Cubanelles do have thinner skin than poblanos or bell peppers, which Chili Pepper Madness says makes them great for stuffing and baking, since they require less cook time than the other two alternatives. Plus, their sweet heat gives them a good flavor balance in tandem with savory fillings.
These peppers are also commonly used raw as a topping for dishes like pizza, sandwiches and salads. Their crisp texture provides a nice crunch. For pizza, the Cubanelle slices can be left raw or quickly sautéed to bring out more sweetness. On sandwiches, they add freshness and flavor, complementing ingredients like cured meats and cheeses.
In Latin cuisines, Cubanelles are also used to make salsa, hot sauces, marinades and more. Their mild spice allows their natural pepper flavor to shine through in these applications. You can fire-roast or char them first to add a smoky depth of flavor before blending into sauces.
Nutritional Value of Cubanelle Peppers
Not only are Cubanelle peppers versatile and flavorful, they also pack a nutritional punch. Like other sweet peppers, Cubanelles are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals while being low in calories and fat.
One large Cubanelle pepper contains:
- Only 27 calories
- 1g of protein
- 6g of carbohydrates
- 3g of fiber
- 109% of the daily recommended vitamin C
- 18% of the daily recommended vitamin A
- 6% of the daily recommended vitamin B6
- 4% of the daily recommended iron
This nutrient density means Cubanelles can contribute significantly to your vitamin and mineral intake while making up a small portion of your overall calorie consumption for the day. Their high fiber content promotes healthy digestion as well.
Beyond those basic nutrients, Cubanelle peppers also provide a range of antioxidants that can benefit overall health. They contain beneficial plant compounds like:
- Vitamin E – A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage
- Vitamin K – Important for blood clotting and bone metabolism
- Carotenoids – Antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene that promote eye and skin health
The vibrant colors of Cubanelle peppers, ranging from green to red to orange, are a good indication of their antioxidant content. The deeper the color, the more concentrated the beneficial carotenoid pigments become.
Some preliminary research has even found that the capsaicin in peppers like Cubanelles, which gives them their mild kick of heat, may have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and blood glucose regulating properties when consumed regularly.
Where to Buy/Grow Cubanelle Peppers
For those intrigued by the unique flavor and nutritional benefits of Cubanelle peppers, you may be wondering where to find them. Luckily, these Italian frying peppers are becoming increasingly available in mainstream grocery stores across the United States.
Many major supermarket chains like Walmart, Kroger, Publix, and Safeway carry Cubanelle peppers, especially during peak summer months. You’ll likely find them in the produce section near other pepper varieties. Check for firm, smooth, deeply colored peppers without any wrinkles or soft spots.
If your local grocer doesn’t stock Cubanelles, you may have better luck at Mexican or Caribbean grocery stores and markets that cater to Hispanic/Latin American cuisines where these peppers are popular ingredients.
Another great option is to purchase Cubanelle peppers from online retailers that can ship them directly to your door. Melissa’s Produce is one such company that sells Cubanelle pepper packs year-round through their website and on Amazon. Many consumers appreciate this convenience for accessing harder-to-find specialty produce.
For the ultra-adventurous and green-thumbed, you can even try your hand at growing Cubanelle peppers in your own home garden. They require a long, warm growing season of at least 70-90 days, so are best started from seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your area’s last expected frost date.
When transplanting Cubanelle seedlings into the garden, choose a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows. Consistent watering and feeding with a vegetable fertilizer every few weeks will encourage healthy growth and larger pepper yields.
If you don’t have an outdoor garden space, Cubanelles can also be grown in large containers or pots. Just be sure to use a quality potting mix and provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
FAQs
Are Cubanelle peppers spicy/hot?
Cubanelle peppers have a very mild level of heat, typically rating between 100-1,000 Scoville Heat Units. This makes them slightly spicier than a banana pepper, but far milder than a jalapeño. Most people find their subtle kick of heat quite pleasant and easy to handle.
What’s the difference between Cubanelle and banana peppers?
While they have a similar low level of spiciness, Cubanelle peppers tend to have a more complex, nuanced flavor compared to banana peppers. Cubanelles offer notes of sweetness, fruitiness, grassiness and sometimes smoke that banana peppers lack. Cubanelles also have thinner skins better suited for stuffing.
Can Cubanelle peppers be eaten raw?
Absolutely! Cubanelle peppers have a delightfully crisp, juicy texture when raw that makes them perfect for adding freshness and crunch to dishes like salads, salsas, sandwiches and pizza. Their sweet yet savory flavor shines through beautifully in raw preparations.
How do I know when to pick Cubanelle peppers?
For maximum flavor, Cubanelles are best picked when still underripe and light yellowish-green in color. If allowed to fully ripen to orange or red, their flavor can become slightly more bitter. Look for firm, smooth peppers without wrinkles.
How long do Cubanelle peppers last after picking?
Freshly picked Cubanelles can last up to 1-2 weeks when stored in a plastic bag or container in the refrigerator crisper drawer. For longer storage, they can be frozen (raw or cooked) for 6-8 months.
What dishes are Cubanelle peppers best used in?
These versatile peppers work beautifully in a wide range of dishes across Italian, Latin, and Caribbean cuisines. They’re wonderful sautéed, fried, roasted, stuffed, added to salsas/sauces, or used fresh as a pizza/sandwich topping.
Conclusion
While the Cubanelle pepper may not have the name recognition of a jalapeño or bell pepper, this underrated variety deserves more attention. Its distinctive flavor profile and versatility make it a welcome addition to any pepper lover’s kitchen arsenal.
With a balanced taste that blends mild sweetness, gentle fruitiness, subtle grassiness and a touch of heat, Cubanelles offer a delightfully nuanced flavor experience. They provide a bright, fresh pop of flavor whether consumed raw or cooked through methods like frying, roasting or baking.
The beauty of Cubanelles lies in their ability to complement a wide range of dishes and cuisines from pizza to salsas to stuffed pepper mains. Their thin skin and adaptable flavor allow them to meld seamlessly with other ingredients while still standing out.
From a health standpoint, Cubanelles pack a nutritional punch with vitamins A, C, and B6, plus beneficial antioxidants – all with hardly any calories or fat. Their fresh crunch also adds excitement to lighter bites and meals.
So don’t let this pepper’s relative obscurity deter you from tracking it down. Seek out Cubanelle peppers at your local grocery store, specialty market or online retailer. Or try your hand at growing them at home for an endless summer supply.
However you acquire them, giving Cubanelle peppers a chance is worthwhile for their taste and nutrient-density alone. But experiencing their unique flavor nuances and versatility in your kitchen is when you’ll truly understand why this variety has earned a dedicated fan base. Let the crisp, sweet and vibrant Cubanelle become your go-to pepper for adding zest and depth to all sorts of dishes.
