Peruvian Peppers

I discovered the tiny, red teardrop Peruvian peppers a few years ago and have been using them ever since. I just love them. I use them for all kinds of dishes. But it dawned on me that not everyone knows about these little treasures or what they are.

Peruvian peppers, also known as aji, Sweety Drop peppers, Incan Red Drops, Biquinho, or Roquito peppers, have been in Peru and modern day Bolivia since about 7500 B.C. They are closely related to the Chupetinho peppers from Brazil, which are also sweet, tart and smoky, and a kiss of heat. Peppers in general are one of the oldest cultivated crops in the Americas, with Peru being a center of diversification where all five domesticated Capsicum species were grown and consumed before the arrival of Europeans.

These little gems are “relative newcomers” in the pepper world though, comparatively speaking. Today, Peru has a high diversity of peppers, with around 300 varieties, and they remain an essential part of its cuisine. You can find the sweety peppers in red and yellow. The red sweeties are a little sweeter than the yellow ones, but not much, and are slightly healthier too.

Sweety Drop Peppers are tiny, teardrop-shaped peppers originating from the highlands of the Peruvian Andes, known for their vibrant red or yellow color, unique sweet and tangy flavor profile, and crunchy texture. The name “Sweety Drop” is primarily a marketing term coined by the companies that first introduced these peppers to the global market. It accurately reflects their dominant sweetness and distinctive teardrop shape, making them easily identifiable to consumers. These peppers offer a versatile ingredient for culinary applications, ranging from appetizers and salads to main courses and even desserts. Unlike some peppers that pack intense heat, Sweety Drops provide a more subtle, nuanced flavor experience. Think of them as the candy of the pepper world, offering a playful burst of taste without the fiery afterburn. They gained popularity for their delightful combination of sweetness and slight acidity. The sweetness is dominant, reminiscent of ripe cherries or bell peppers, but it’s complemented by a refreshing tanginess.

Sweety peppers are mild peppers, with a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating close to zero. The higher the SHU, the hotter the peppers will be. These little sweeties are a good source of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber and are also low in calories and fat. Though they are healthy and packed with nutrients, they are rarely eaten in large quantities, making their nutritional impact minimal. These little peppers, like other chili peppers, are rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which is crucial for strengthening the immune system, promoting healthy skin, and shielding the body from oxidative stress. Red peppers are generally considered the healthiest because they are the most ripe and contain the highest levels of certain nutrients, but peppers in general are considered to be healthy foods. While they share the characteristic of sweetness, Sweety Drop Peppers are distinct from bell peppers or other sweet peppers. Their unique teardrop shape, crunchy texture, and specific flavor profile set them apart. The tanginess is a defining characteristic not found in other sweet pepper varieties.

Sweet peppers like the sunshine. You can grown them at home as long as they get enough sunshine to make them happy. They require a sunny location, well-drained soil, and a warm climate. Seeds can be purchased online or from specialty gardening stores, but be aware that seed availability may sometimes be limited. These little peppers are most often served pickled or brined, but you can easily pickle your own Sweety Drop Peppers too. You’ll need fresh peppers, vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and any desired spices, just like you would need for pickling any kind of pepper or vegetable. While possible, freezing Sweety Drop Peppers is not generally recommended, as it can affect their texture, making them less crisp. If you must freeze them, consider using them in cooked dishes where the texture change will be less noticeable. Freezing is not the ideal preservation method.

These little sweetie peppers are gaining in popularity all over the world. If you don’t have them yet, they will most likely be coming your way soon. Just be patient. Once you discover them, you will fall in love with them just like I did. 🙂

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.