The name “Manzano” actually comes from the Spanish word “manzana”. Manzano means “apple”, which is why it is also known in places as the “apple pepper”. Apple or apple-like in appearance, it’s not surprising that this pepper has been given such a nickname. Manzano peppers are cherry to apple-sized fruits with a spicy flavor and a high concentration of vitamins C and A. They definitely have a nice kick.
What Do Manzano Peppers Taste Like?
Manzano peppers are good to eat raw or cooked, and the taste is similar to that of a mild jalapeño, though fruitier. You can either cook it or eat it just like you would eat an apple. You’ll definitely notice the sweetness associated with this pepper more than other hot peppers. The size can vary from small and round like a cherry, to large and apple-shaped like the bell pepper. The flesh is light with black seeds within. They are very popular in Mexico, Central America, and South America as well as Spain. This pepper is often confused with the rocoto pepper, which is quite similar, but hotter. It is believed to originate from the state of Hidalgo, which is situated in the central part of the country near Mexico City, famous for its natural resources and agricultural production especially for vegetables such as onions, garlic, tomatoes, and pumpkins. The cultivation process took place with small-scale farmers who were mostly living in rural areas that had a low population density so they could have enough space to grow organic crops without any pesticides or fertilizers. In Ecuador, it is used for hot sauce. In Nicaragua, it is also used to make a sauce called “Salsa Maracuya”, very similar to the Mexican one, but with the addition of carrots and chayote squash. It is also served pickled or fresh on many types of dishes including sandwiches, omelets, and other foods. Questions about the manzano chile? Contact me anytime. Looking for manzano pepper plants or seeds? Check out the Resources section.
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