Candy Cane Chocolate Cherry Peppers
Estimated Inventory, 5 lbs : 0
This item was last sold on : 10/19/24
Description/Taste
Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers are a small varietal, averaging 5 to 10 centimeters in length and 3 to 7 centimeters in diameter, and have an oval to square, bulbous shape with square shoulders and slight tapering toward the non-stem end. The peppers resemble mini bell peppers and have several distinct creases and 3 to 4 lobes with vertical ridges extending the length of the pepper. The pepper's skin is smooth, glossy, semi-thin, and taut, showcasing variegated, striped hues. When the peppers are young, they start green and white striped, and as they mature, they transition to orange and green and eventually dark red and bright red hues when ripe. Underneath the surface, the flesh is pale orange, red to brown, and has a crisp, chewy, and succulent consistency. Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers can be consumed at any stage of maturity and have a mild, vegetal, and sweet flavor. The sweetness will be subtle in green peppers and increase intensity as the peppers fully mature. In addition to the peppers, the plant's leaves have variegated white and green striping and patches, creating an aesthetically pleasing and distinct appearance.
Seasons/Availability
Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers are available in the summer.
Current Facts
Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers, botanically classified as Capsicum annuum, are a sweet, hybrid variety belonging to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. The small, variegated peppers grow on plants reaching 45 to 60 centimeters in height and are an early-maturing cultivar, ready for harvest in 55 to 60 days when picked green or 70 to 75 days when picked red. Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers are unusual as their striped flesh is sweet when harvested at any maturity stage. Growers favor the variety for its ability to be sown in containers, its distinct variegated leaves, easy-to-grow nature, and colorful appearance. Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers are a type of snack pepper popularly consumed out of hand, but the small peppers can also be incorporated into an array of cooked preparations to impart a sweet flavor and crisp texture.
Nutritional Value
Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers, like other sweet pepper varieties, are a source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation, copper to produce red blood cells, vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing, and fiber to regulate the digestive tract. The peppers also provide potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, vitamin E to reduce inflammation, and other nutrients, including zinc, manganese, B vitamins, folate, and magnesium. The pepper's pigmented appearance signifies the presence of anthocyanins, natural compounds with antioxidant-like properties to protect the cells against the damage caused by free radicals.
Applications
Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers have a sweet flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The small peppers are popularly washed and consumed straight out of hand, or the peppers are used as dipping vessels on appetizer platters. Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers are showcased for their unique striped skin and can be halved and filled with soft cheeses, sliced and tossed into salads, or cut into strips and served on top of tacos, nachos, and hummus plates. The peppers can also be blended into hummus, stuffed and wrapped with bacon, filled with meats and grains, or sliced and mixed with herb dressings in a refreshing summer tomato salad. In addition to fresh preparations, Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers can be pan-fried, baked and layered on toast, spread on ricotta-topped tarts, or mixed into stir-fries. The peppers can also be sauteed with aromatics as a simple side dish, cooked into chutney, combined into pasta, or marinated and added to roasted meat main dishes. Beyond fresh or cooked recipes, Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers can be pickled as a tangy condiment or roasted and preserved in oil for extended storage. Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers pair well with mushrooms, tomatoes, artichokes, cheeses such as ricotta, cream, and parmesan, meats including poultry, beef, turkey, and pork, and herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and basil. Whole, unwashed Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers will last 1 to 2 weeks when stored in a well-ventilated bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. Sliced peppers will keep 2 to 3 days when stored in a sealed container in the fridge.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers received their name from their skin's similarity in appearance to the striped hard candy that was invented sometime during the 17th century. Like candy canes, the moniker highlights the pepper's unusual, whimsical appearance, and the striped peppers also grow on plants with variegated, striped leaves, adding to the variety's landscape appeal. Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers were given the Green Thumb Award in 2022 by the National Garden Bureau. The annual award showcases varieties that National Garden Bureau members have selected as unique plants that have broad appeal and display innovations in home gardening. The National Garden Bureau is a non-profit organization established in 1920 that arose from the need to educate the public on various gardening topics. During World War II, the government encouraged American citizens to plant Victory Gardens to grow their own food. The National Garden Bureau provided a platform for growers, retailers, writers, breeders, and the public to connect. During the National Garden Bureau's 100th anniversary in 2020, the Victory Garden concept was relaunched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geography/History
Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers were created by PanAmerican Seed, a breeder and producer of F1 and open-pollinated seeds. Before Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers were released, PanAmerican Seed introduced Candy Cane Red peppers in 2017. Candy Cane Red peppers were one of the first striped sweet peppers, as varieties released prior were either spicy or ornamental. Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers were introduced in 2021 and were a part of PanAmerican's "Handpicked Selection," a series of small, early maturing plants favored for home gardens. Today Candy Cane Chocolate cherry peppers are a specialty variety grown by farms for limited commercial distribution and are also offered for home garden cultivation in the United States.
