VarietiesC. annuumMildPepperoncini
MildC. annuumItaly

Pepperoncini

Golden Greek pepper · Tuscan pepper · Sweet Italian pepper · Friggitello

500Scoville Heat Units

Heat context

Carolina Reaper
Ghost Pepper
Habanero
Pepperoncini
Botanical data
Heat (SHU)500
SpeciesC. annuum
OriginItaly
Days to mature62
Plant height45–75 cm
Wall thicknessThin
Ripe colourgolden yellow to red
YieldHeavy
Growth habitCompact
Germination7-14
FoliageGreen
Unripe colourpale green

About this variety

Pepperoncini are mild, sweet Italian peppers that turn from pale green to golden yellow when mature, harvested young for their signature tangy-sweet flavor. Traditionally pickled whole in brine with garlic and herbs, they're beloved as antipasti, pizza toppings, and sandwich garnishes. The variety most commonly grown outside Italy is actually the Greek 'Golden Greek' strain, which shares similar characteristics.

Flavour profile

sweettangymildslightly fruity
Culinary scores
Sauce
3/10
Drying
3/10
Pickling
10/10

Culinary uses

Primarily pickled whole and served as antipasti, pizza toppings, sandwich garnishes, or Greek salads. Can also be eaten fresh, sautéed until blistered (friggitelli style), or stuffed. Popular in Mediterranean cuisine.

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Quick reference

Heat500 SHU
SpeciesC. annuum
OriginItaly
Days to ripe62
Ripe colourgolden yellow to red
Best forPickling, Primarily pickled whole and served as antipasti
Data confidence: 4/5. Sourced from community submissions and verified references. Suggest a correction