This post was updated on 7/29/2020 to include new information and photos. It was originally published on 6/20/2018. The shishito pepper is a popular appetizer pepper that is interesting for being mostly a mild chili pepper, but every now and then a particular pod will pack some heat. The heat isn’t overwhelming, but it can be surprising, which adds allure and popularity to this particular pepper. It is a vibrant green pepper that eventually matures to red, but are mostly eaten green. It is similar to the pimiento de padron pepper. The plants can grow up to 2 feet tall and 5–18 inches wide.
Where Does the Name “Shishito” Come From?
The name, “Shishito”, derives from the Japanese words “shishi”, which means “lion”, and “togarashi”, which translated to “chili pepper”. Hence, in Japan, it is known as the “Lion Head pepper”.
Is There Another Name for a Shishito Pepper?
Shishito peppers do not go by any other common names in America, though they are often confused for the popular Pimento de Padrón pepper, which is very similar in appearance. These are from my garden. So good! This may not sound like a large heat range, and to most chiliheads used to spicy food, it isn’t. However, for those unaccustomed to spicy foods, a bite from a 200 SHU shishito pepper can come as a surprise.
What Causes Only One in Ten Shishito Peppers to be Spicy?
Many chili peppers offer a large range of heat from pod to pod due to the amount of capsaicin produced during growing. For example, jalapeno peppers typically range from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units, which is quite a large range. This has to do with growing conditions, pepper plant stress, and other variables. They are also popular for stuffing with soft cheeses and battering and frying. I have personally grown shishito peppers in my garden and the plants are quite productive. I can easily pick a dozen at a time and cook them as a dinner starter. I love them. Here is a simple recipe for cooking up shishito peppers. It’s great as an appetizer or a side dish.
12 shishito peppers 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt Lime juice or lemon juice for serving
Try this recipe - Blistered Shishito Peppers with Flaky Sea Salt and Lime.
Buy Shishito Peppers Here (Fresh pods, 2 pounds) Shishito Pepper Products
Further Information
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