Shishito peppers are small, thin-skinned, Japanese chili peppers known for their predominantly mild, sweet, and citrusy flavor profile, though one in ten peppers can unexpectedly be hot. These vibrant green peppers, with a wrinkled appearance reminiscent of a lion's head, are popular for quick-cooking methods like pan-blistering, grilling, and deep-frying, often served simply with salt as a popular appetizer.
Appearance
- Size and Shape: They are small, slender, and slightly curved, typically 2 to 4 inches long.
- Skin: The skin is thin, glossy, and has a wrinkled or creased surface, which gives the pepper its name.
- Color: They are usually harvested when green but will mature to a dark red.
Flavor and Heat
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Mild & Sweet:Most shishitos are mild with a delicate, citrusy, and sometimes smoky flavor.
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The "One-in-Ten" Surprise:A unique aspect is that approximately one out of every ten peppers can be surprisingly hot, offering a fun element of chance.
These seeds were harvested from plants grown in a controlled environment and isolation to preserve genetics.