Pimientos del piquillo

The name ‘piquillo’ comes from the word ‘pico’ meaning ‘little tail’ as its shape suggests. Piquillo peppers are grown in the Navarra region of Spain. Although smaller than the bell pepper (only about 8cm in length), they are however much superior in flavour, texture and colour. The majority of piquillo peppers are harvested in October, roasted over beech wood, peeled (the best quality by hand) and then tinned in their own juice. They are sweet (and sometimes mildly spicy), bursting with flavour, and are perfect for stuffing, for sauces or simply for a tapa. You can now buy them in some delicatessens and supermarkets, though they are expensive partly due to production costs. (See Spanish Suppliers)