Pepper Identification Chart – Know Your Peppers
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Peppers are the rockstars of the produce world—bold, colorful, and packed with personality! Whether you’re after the crisp sweetness of a bell pepper, the smoky kick of a poblano, or the fiery punch of a ghost pepper (if you dare), there’s a perfect pepper for every craving. But with so many shapes, colors, and heat levels to choose from, how do you know which one to grab? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’re diving into the wild and wonderful world of peppers with a handy identification chart to help you pick the right one for your next dish. Get ready to turn up the flavor and maybe even break a sweat!
Pepper Identification Chart
Peppers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and spice levels, making them one of the most exciting ingredients to explore! From mild shishito peppers to smoky poblanos and tongue-tingling Thai red peppers, each variety brings something unique to the table. Some are perfect for stuffing, others shine in salsa, and a few are best reserved for those who love a serious kick of heat. Get ready to meet your perfect pepper match!
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Sweet Peppers
Bell Pepper: These sweet, crunchy beauties come in a rainbow of colors, including red, yellow, orange, and green. Perfect for salads, stir-fries, and stuffed dishes, bell peppers are blocky with three or four lobes at the bottom.
- Choice Green Peppers – 16139 – bushel
- Green Peppers – 80409 – dozen
- Medium Green Peppers – 16120 – bushel
- Orange Holland Peppers – 16131 – 11 lb
- Premium Rainbow Peppers – 16153 – 8-3 ct
- Red Peppers – 16147 – bushel
- Red Peppers – 80421 – dozen
- Red Import Peppers – 16150 – 11 lb
- Large Red Peppers – 16145 – 15 lb
- X-Large Green Peppers – 16115 – bushel
- Yellow Peppers – 80801 – dozen
- Yellow Import Peppers – 16170 – 11 lb
Mini Sweet Pepper: Bursting with vibrant colors and natural sweetness, mixed mini sweet peppers are a snack-time favorite and a versatile addition to any dish. These bite-sized beauties come in shades of red, yellow, and orange, delivering a crisp, juicy crunch with every bite—without the heat! Perfect for dipping, stuffing, roasting, or slicing into salads, they add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to any meal.
Cubanelle Peppers: Cubanelle peppers, also known as Italian frying peppers, are mildly sweet with a hint of subtle spice, making them perfect for sautéing, stuffing, or adding a pop of flavor to your favorite dishes.
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Mild Peppers
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Shishito Pepper: Shishito peppers are the ultimate bite-sized surprise—mild and slightly smoky, with the occasional fiery one hiding in the mix! These wrinkly green peppers are best enjoyed blistered in a hot pan with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkle of salt, making for an irresistible appetizer or side dish. With their thin skin and subtle sweetness, they’re a delicious way to add a little excitement to your plate!
Banana Peppers: Banana peppers are the zesty little kick your taste buds have been waiting for! With their bright yellow hue, crunchy bite, and just the right balance of tangy and sweet, they’re a flavor-packed favorite. Whether you pile them on sandwiches, toss them in salads, or snack on them straight from the jar, these peppy peppers bring the perfect pop of fun to every bite!
Long Hot Peppers: Long hot peppers are the fiery underdogs of the pepper world—mild enough to enjoy in big bites but with just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting! The long hot pepper Scoville rating sits at 100 to 1,000. These slender, wrinkly green peppers are perfect for roasting, frying, or stuffing, adding a deliciously smoky and slightly spicy kick to any dish. Long hot peppers will turn from green to red long hot peppers while ripening.
Poblano Pepper: Poblano peppers are the perfect mix of mild heat and rich, smoky flavor, making them a go-to for roasting, stuffing, and blending into sauces. Their deep green color and heart-shaped form make them instantly recognizable, and when dried, they transform into the flavorful ancho chile.
Mild-Moderate Peppers
Hungarian Wax Peppers: Hungarian wax peppers are the bold, zesty cousins of banana peppers, known for their vibrant yellow color and spicy kick! These peppers pack more heat than their mild counterparts but still offer a slightly tangy, sweet flavor that’s perfect for pickling, stuffing, or adding a spicy punch to sauces and stews.
Anaheim Peppers: Anaheim peppers are the mild-mannered heroes of the pepper world, offering a gentle heat and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Perfect for grilling, roasting, or adding to salsas, they bring just the right amount of warmth to dishes without overpowering them—making them a versatile choice for any meal that needs a little extra kick!
Jalapeño Pepper: Jalapeños are the bold, fiery peppers that bring the perfect balance of heat and flavor to any dish! Whether sliced fresh into a spicy salsa, grilled for a smoky twist, or pickled for a tangy kick, these little green powerhouses are a must-have for anyone who loves a bit of spice with their meals.
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Moderate Peppers
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Cherry Peppers: Cherry peppers are cute, round little fireballs that pack a punch of heat with a sweet, tangy twist! With their bright red color and vibrant flavor, they’re perfect for stuffing with cheese, pickling for a zesty snack, or adding to salads and sandwiches for a pop of spicy goodness. These bite-sized beauties prove that good things come in small, fiery packages!
Green Serrano Peppers: Green serrano peppers are the spicy little siblings of the jalapeño, offering a sharper heat and a bright, fresh flavor. With their thin skins and crisp texture, they’re perfect for adding a fiery kick to salsas, guacamole, and sauces, or even tossing them on the grill for a smoky bite. If you love a pepper with punch, serranos are sure to spice up your cooking!
Red Fresno Peppers: Red Fresno peppers have a vibrant red color and slightly smoky taste make them perfect for adding a kick to salsas, tacos, or even pickling for a tangy, spicy treat. Whether fresh or cooked, Fresno peppers bring a delightful burst of flavor to your favorite dishes!
Hot Peppers
Holland Red Finger Peppers: Holland Red Finger peppers are small but mighty, with a fiery heat that’s sure to wake up your taste buds! These slender, bright red peppers have a slightly smoky and fruity flavor, making them perfect for adding bold heat to sauces, salsas, or even stuffed for a spicy treat. If you love a pepper that delivers both flavor and heat, the Holland Red Finger pepper is a must-try!
Thai Green and Red Peppers: Thai green and red peppers are the ultimate flavor bombs, known for their vibrant colors and intense heat! The green variety offers a fresh, slightly grassy heat, while the red peppers are fully ripe, bringing a deeper, more fiery flavor with a touch of sweetness. With the Green Thai peppers Scoville rating 50,000 to 100,000 units, they are a favorite in spicy dishes and are perfect for adding bold, zesty heat to your dishes!
- Thai Green Peppers – 16159 – 5 lb
- Thai Green Peppers – 80428 – pound
- Thai Red Peppers – 16178 – 5 lb
- Thai Red Peppers – 80437 – pound
Habanero Pepper: If you love intense heat, habanero peppers are your go-to. With a Scoville rating of 100,000 to 350,000, habanero peppers are known for their intense heat and fruity flavor. They’re perfect for those who love a fiery kick in their salsas, hot sauces, and marinades, bringing both heat and a sweet, citrusy twist to any dish. These lantern-shaped peppers come in orange, red, and yellow.
- Orange Habanero Peppers – 16125 – case
- Red Habanero Peppers – 16896 – case
- Habanero Peppers – 80413 – pound
Scotch Bonnet: Similar to habaneros, Scotch bonnet peppers range from 100,000 to 350,000 on the Scoville scale and are sun-kissed stars of Caribbean cuisine, packing a fiery punch with a hint of tropical sweetness. Their bright, wrinkled appearance and fruity, citrusy flavor make them perfect for jerk marinades, hot sauces, and bold stews. Don’t be fooled by their cheerful look—these little peppers bring some serious heat!
- Scotch Bonnet – 10 lbs – available with notice
Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia): Ghost peppers are not for the faint of heart—these fiery legends bring an insane level of heat with a subtle, smoky-sweet flavor hiding underneath. Once crowned one of the world’s hottest peppers, they’re perfect for those who love an extreme spice challenge in hot sauces, curries, or daredevil dishes. Handle with care—this pepper means serious business!
- Fresh Ghost Peppers – 1 lb – available with notice
Carolina Reaper: Carolina Reaper peppers are the undisputed champions of heat, holding the title as one of the world’s hottest peppers! With their gnarled red skin and wickedly curled tail, these peppers bring an intense, lingering burn balanced by a surprisingly sweet, fruity undertone. If you’re brave enough to handle the heat, they’re perfect for extreme hot sauces and spicy challenges—but proceed with caution!
- Carolina Reapers – 1 lb – available with notice
Handling hot peppers requires caution to avoid skin and eye irritation. Wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. To control the heat, remove the seeds and inner membranes, where most of the capsaicin is concentrated. Adding dairy like milk or yogurt can also help tone down the heat.
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Pepper Identification Tips
Identifying peppers can be a fun and rewarding experience! Look for these physical characteristics to distinguish between varieties:
Color is a major clue. Peppers come in green, red, yellow, orange, and even purple. The color can indicate ripeness—green is usually unripe, while red, yellow, or orange is ripe. Some peppers, like jalapenos, change color as they mature.
Size and shape vary widely. Peppers can be small and round or long and slender. The tip shape can also differ—pointed, rounded, or bulbous.
Heat level is a key factor. Hot peppers like habaneros are fiery, while bell peppers have no heat. Flesh thickness also varies—some are thin, others thick and meaty.
By knowing these characteristics, you’ll become a pepper identifier pro! Whether you’re cooking or just expanding your knowledge, these tips will help you spot the perfect pepper every time.
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