Peppers / Chili (Hot) Peppers / Roasted Peppers

What are Italian hot chili peppers?

With a variety of flavors, from slightly sweet and smoky to tangy and spicy, hot chili peppers are a versatile ingredient for many types of savory dishes. When used in a balanced amount, their natural spiciness brings heat to food and enhances other ingredients. Not only are Italian hot peppers packed with flavor, but they also have numerous health benefits. A natural chemical called capsaicin gives hot peppers antimicrobial properties, and long before modern refrigeration was invented, hot chili peppers were used to reduce the chance of food poisoning.

What kinds of Italian peppers can I buy? 

A popular brand from Italy is Tutto Calabria, which makes gourmet products with locally grown ingredients from the heartland of Italy. Steeped in extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, and traditional seasonings, crushed hot chili peppers are perfect for sauces, meats, pizza, and pasta. For sauces or toppings with a chunky texture, incorporate hot long chili peppers, available in both red and green varieties. Another popular chili pepper product is red chili pepper spread. Supermarket Italy carries the bestselling variety from Dalmatia, a premium brand imported from Croatia. 

If spicy flavors aren’t your thing, Supermarket Italy also carries a variety of Italian roasted sweet peppers. Grilled peppers from La Valle and a Pero add a Neapolitan twist to sandwiches and salads, while sweet cherry peppers and piquillo peppers still have tang but not enough to make you sweat.

What can I make with hot Italian peppers?

Depending on the type of pepper and your personal threshold for spicy foods, various amounts of hot chili peppers or hot cherry peppers can be added to your favorite Italian meals for intense pops of flavor. Try adding Italian chili peppers to pizza toppings, pasta sauces, and salads, or layer them on sandwiches with cured meats and cheeses. The possibilities for these tasty flavor bombs are seemingly endless, which is why they are a must-have for every kitchen pantry.