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Lipstick chile peppers are short, stocky pods, averaging 5 to 10 centimeters in length, and have a conical shape that tapers to a blunt, rounded point on the non-stem end. The skin is waxy, taut, shiny, and smooth, ripening from dark green to bright red when mature. Underneath the surface, the flesh is thick, aqueous, firm, and crisp, encasing a central cavity filled with membranes and round and flat, cream-colored seeds. Lipstick chile peppers are aromatic when sliced with an earthy, vegetal scent and have a mild, sweet, and fruity flavor containing no heat.
Seasons/Availability
Lipstick chile peppers are available in the late summer through fall.
Current Facts
Lipstick chile peppers, botanically classified as Capsicum annuum, are a sweet, heatless variety belonging to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. The juicy peppers are a variety of pimento pepper, which is a non-spicy cultivar known to have one of the lowest Scoville ratings of any chile pepper, averaging less than 500 SHU. Lipstick chile peppers are rumored to be named for their elongated shape and vibrant red coloring, similar in appearance to the famous cosmetic, and were developed as a cold-tolerant variety for regions with cooler summers. Lipstick chile peppers are not commercially cultivated and are considered to be a specialty variety. The peppers are grown as a culinary ingredient, favored for its thick flesh and full-bodied, sweet flavor.
Nutritional Value
Lipstick chile peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and contain vitamins E, K, and B6, potassium, manganese, fiber, folate, and thiamin. The peppers also contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant that has been known to help protect the body and immune system against free radicals.
Applications
Lipstick chile peppers are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as roasting, baking, simmering, and frying. The peppers are highly favored for their thick, sweet flesh and can be used in place of any mild to medium heat chile in recipes. Lipstick chile peppers can be consumed fresh, out-of-hand, and are popularly stuffed with cheeses, vegetables, grains, and meats. They can also be chopped into green salads, diced into salsas, cooked into sauces, or minced into relishes. Lipstick chile peppers are often associated with Spanish cuisine due to their pimento heritage and are roasted or fried to develop sweet and savory flavors. The peppers can be blistered and utilized as a topping on burgers, marinated in olive oil and vinegar to be served as an appetizer, chopped and simmered into pasta sauce, stirred into soups and stews, or sliced and sprinkled over pizza. Lipstick chile peppers pair well with tomatoes, corn, potatoes, aromatics such as garlic, onions, and ginger, meats such as beef, lamb, pork, and poultry, shellfish, cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, and jack, and herbs such as mint, cilantro, and oregano. Fresh Lipstick peppers will keep 1 to 2 weeks when stored whole and unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Lipstick chile peppers were intentionally bred as a cold-tolerant, sweet variety for home gardening. Many pepper cultivars require warm temperatures to produce flavorful pods and are unable to be successfully grown in specific regions. Lipstick chile peppers were created to meet the market demand for a cool summer variety and have become one of the most sought-after specialty peppers for gardens in the Northern Hemisphere. Lipstick chile peppers are wildly popular in the United Kingdom, favored for their early maturing, highly prolific nature. The peppers can be seen at local farmer’s markets, when in season, and are also grown in home gardens for everyday culinary use. In Dorset, Southwest England, Lipstick chile peppers are featured at the Great Dorset Chili Festival, which is an annual event celebrating all types of chile peppers. During the festival, there are informational booths to assist growers in finding new garden varieties, including Lipstick peppers, and food vendors showcase the diversity of sweet and hot peppers by creating a wide variety of main dishes, desserts, and hot sauces. The Great Dorset Chili Festival has been held for ten years and is considered to be one of the top chile festivals in the United Kingdom.
Geography/History
Lipstick chile peppers are descendants of original pimiento varieties that are native to Central and South America and have been cultivated since ancient times. Pimento peppers were then introduced to Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries via Spanish and Portuguese explorers, where they became increasingly popular for their use in the spice, sweet paprika. Over time, many new varieties of pimento peppers were created throughout Europe, with some experts tracing the origins of Lipstick peppers to Hungary. Today Lipstick chile peppers can be found at farmer’s markets and specialty grocers across the United States and Europe. The sweet peppers can also be found through online seed catalogs for home garden use.
Milliken Family Farms
Lipstick chile peppers From Milliken Family Farms In Santa Monica, California...Lipstick chile peppers have a waxy, taut, and shiny exterior that ripens from dark green to bright red when mature. Their thick, crisp flesh houses a central cavity filled with membranes and cream-colored seeds. These peppers are notable for their mild, fruity sweetness and lack of heat, offering an aromatic, earthy scent when sliced. Their stocky, conical shape makes them visually distinct.
Specialty Produce
1929 hancock st sd ca 92110
6192953172 [email protected]
Lipstick chile peppers are versatile and known for their sweet, thick flesh. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked, used in dishes like stuffed peppers, salads, salsas, sauces, or even as pizza toppings. They're popular in Spanish-inspired recipes due to their pimento heritage. These peppers pair well with items like tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, and cheeses. Fresh Lipstick peppers can be stored unwashed in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Lipstick chile peppers are a sweet, heatless variety of Capsicum annuum known for their thick flesh and full-bodied flavor. With less than 500 Scoville Heat Units, they are among the mildest chile peppers. Named for their elongated, red lipstick-like shape, they were developed to grow well in cooler climates. These peppers aren't commercially grown, making them a prized specialty ingredient in culinary dishes.
Beylik Family Farms
Lipstick chile peppers from Beylik Family Farms…Lipstick chile peppers trace their origins to pimiento varieties from Central and South America, cultivated since ancient times. These peppers were brought to Europe by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries, where they became integral to creating sweet paprika. Experts link Lipstick peppers to Hungary, and they're widely available at farmer’s markets, specialty grocers, and online seed catalogs for gardens.
Beylik Family Farms
Lipstick chile peppers from Beylik Family Farms..Lipstick chile peppers were specifically developed as a cold-tolerant, sweet pepper variety suited for home gardens in regions with cooler summers. They have gained considerable popularity in the UK due to their early maturing and prolific growth. They are a highlight at the Great Dorset Chili Festival, an annual event celebrating chile peppers through food, education, and community. This festival has been running for ten years and is considered a premier chile-focused event in the United Kingdom.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Lipstick peppers from Beylik Family Farms…Lipstick peppers have a conical shape, reaching up to 10 centimeters in length, and their waxy, shiny skin ripens from dark green to bright red. The flesh is thick, crisp, and juicy, with a mild, sweet, and fruity flavor. These peppers are heat-free, making them a versatile option for those who enjoy peppers without spice. Inside, they contain a central cavity filled with cream-colored seeds and membranes.
Beylik Family Farms
Lipstick peppers from Beylik Family Farms..Lipstick chile peppers are versatile and can be used in both raw and cooked dishes, including roasting, frying, and simmering. Known for their sweet, thick flesh, they shine in recipes calling for mild to medium heat chiles. They can be stuffed, diced into salsas, or roasted for enhanced flavor, and pair well with meats, cheeses, and herbs. When stored unwashed in a plastic bag in the fridge, they stay fresh for 1 to 2 weeks.
Beylik Farms
Lipstick peppers from Beylik Family Farms..Lipstick chile peppers: Lipstick chile peppers are a sweet and heatless variety of Capsicum annuum, developed to thrive in regions with cooler summers. They belong to the pimento pepper family, known for one of the lowest Scoville ratings at under 500 SHU. Their thick flesh and rich, sweet flavor make them ideal as a culinary ingredient. These peppers are not commercially cultivated, maintaining their status as a specialty variety appreciated by growers and chefs.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street
View on Instagram
619-295-3172 [email protected]
Lipstick chile peppers are believed to have ancestral ties to pimiento varieties native to Central and South America, which were introduced to Europe by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries. Over time, varieties like Lipstick peppers were developed, with origins possibly linked to Hungary. These sweet peppers are now available at farmer’s markets, specialty grocers, and online seed catalogs for gardening enthusiasts.
Specialty produce
1929 Hancock St San Diego CA, 92154
6192953172
Lipstick chile peppers were bred to withstand cooler climates, making them ideal for Northern Hemisphere gardens. Known for their sweet flavor and early maturity, they are especially celebrated in the United Kingdom. At the annual Great Dorset Chili Festival in Southwest England, these peppers are highlighted through culinary creations and educational booths. The festival, a top UK chile event for over ten years, showcases both sweet and hot pepper varieties in diverse dishes and products.