What is Trinidad Pimento Pepper or Caribbean Pimento Pepper?
The Trinidad Pimento pepper, also referred to as ‘Seasoning pepper’, stands as the favored cooking pepper, along with habanero or scotch bonnet, across the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
What does the Trinidad pimento pepper look like?
During the maturity stage, it transforms from a light green hue to a rich, dark red or vibrant orange-red. These elongated peppers can exceed 3 inches in length and measure approximately 1/2 inch in diameter.
How hot is Trinidad Pimento Pepper?
Beyond its visual appeal, this elongated pepper variety boasts a unique flavor without the heat of habanero or scotch bonnets.
With a Scoville score ranging from 100 to 500 units, it falls on the milder side of the heat spectrum.
What is a good substitute for Pimento Peppers?
Curious about substitutes for Trinidad pimento pepper? While finding an exact match may be challenging, alternatives like bell peppers, banana peppers, or slightly hotter options like Thai chilies or jalapenos can be considered.
Sourcing and Storing Trinidad Pimento Peppers
For those seeking the elusive Trinidad pimento peppers, you can find them in ethnic markets (Spanish, Caribbean, and Asian markets), and online retailers –or even consider growing your own from seeds(which can also be purchased online).
Pimento peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for short-term use, or frozen in a tightly sealed resealable bag for long-term use. Sometimes, I process it in the food processor and store it in small bags in the freezer as well. This ensures I have a supply on hand at any time!
Recipes Featuring Pimento Peppers
You can add this pepper to the base of all recipes–the iconic green seasoning—or add it to pelau, fried rice, soups, stews, and curries–generally any savory dish! Even if a recipe does not list it, chances are you can if available.
I love adding it at the end of cooking to highlight and elevate the flavor of all my dishes.
Are Trinidad Pimento Pepper and Jamaican Pimento the same thing?
Trinidad Pimento pepper refers to the fresh pepper as described above. However, Jamaican pimento seeds refer to dried berries of the Pimenta dioica tree and are also referred to as allspice berries–an essential spice in Jamaican cooking.
Trinidad pimento peppers, if you are lucky enough to source or grow them, are key players in the symphony of Trinidadian cuisine. Embrace the allure of Trinidad pimento peppers and infuse your dishes with the magic of its unique flavor!
