Organic 'Pepperoncini Greek' pepper
Organic 'Pepperoncini Greek' pepper (Capsicum annuum) from the seed company Gaia, a sweet Mediterranean pepper with a thin skin and a tangy, sweet flavor
The 'Pepperoncini Greek' pepper, rooted in the culinary traditions of Italy and Greece, produces small, elongated fruits, 2 to 3 inches long, with thin, wrinkled skin. They are pale yellow-green , turning red when ripe. Their flavor is mild and pleasantly sweet , sometimes punctuated by a slight heat that remains moderate and easy to digest. Often used pickled , they absorb seasonings particularly well thanks to their thin skins. This heirloom variety, popular in Mediterranean preserves and antipasti, offers a perfect balance of sweetness, crispness, and character. The vigorous and productive plants thrive in the summer heat and provide a regular harvest of light and fragrant fruit.
This versatile pepper brings a traditional touch to cooking, combining simplicity and burst of flavor in a format ideal for fresh preparations or pickling.
Companion plants : Alliums, Basil, Tomato, Spinach, Oregano, Marjoram, Nasturtium, Marigold
Nefarious plants : Broad beans, Brassicaceae, Fennel
Spread/carry : Compact and slightly spread
Plant height : 45 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Characteristics : Fruits 2–3 in., thin walls, wrinkled skin, sweet sweetness, variable mild heat, ideal for pickling, color ranges from green to red
Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Mild, sweet, slightly tangy depending on ripeness
Cold tolerance : Not hardy
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out, at a depth of about 1 cm . Maintain a temperature of 25–32°C , ideally 27–31°C , for germination, which occurs in 7 to 21 days. Harden off the seedlings to 18–19°C before planting out. Provide full sun (level 3) and moderate watering (level 2). Space plants 30–45 cm apart and rows 45–60 cm apart. Good air circulation limits excessive moisture, which is especially beneficial for thin-walled varieties.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the first fruits quickly to encourage continuous production . The fruits can be picked green for a sweet and crisp flavor, or red for a warmer, fruitier note. Store them at 10-12°C with 95% relative humidity.
Usage ideas
• In traditional marinades , where their thin skin perfectly absorbs the flavors
• In antipasti and Mediterranean salads
• Stuffed or fried for a melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Cook quickly to retain their light crispness
• As a topping for sandwiches or pizzas for a sweet and tangy touch
The 'Pepperoncini Greek' pepper offers a sweet, sunny flavor, a fine texture, and authentic Mediterranean charm. A heritage variety prized for its versatility, it brightens both the vegetable garden and the kitchen with its shades ranging from green to red.
