Peppers

All peppers, both hot and sweet, originated in Mexico but have spread so widely all over the world that they are an accepted part of all kitchens. In the islands one finds the usual sweet green or red (ripe) bell peppers and the red pimento. Any sweet pepper may be used in place of these. The hot peppers of the Caribbean have a very distinctive and splendid flavour, and are sometimes available crushed and bottled in vinegar. They are worth searching for in shops selling tropical foods. There is an island hot-pepper sauce from Jamaica, Pickapeppa Hot Pepper Sauce, that is widely available. If found fresh they may be used to make Pepper Wine or Pepper Vinegar, preserving their distinctive flavour. Otherwise, any hot pepper may be used, fresh, tinned or bottled.