Pardon Peppers

**Padrón peppers** are a specific landrace variety of small, elongated, bright-green chili pepper (**Capsicum annuum**) that originated in the municipality of Padrón in Galicia, Spain. They are typically harvested when unripe and measure about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. **Key Characteristics & Culinary Use: ** * **Culinary Roulette: ** Padrón peppers are famous for their unpredictable heat. While most are **mild** with a slightly sweet and grassy flavor (500–2,500 Scoville Heat Units), roughly **1 out of 10** will deliver a surprisingly intense, spicy kick. This phenomenon is captured in the popular Galician saying: *"Oz pimentos de Padrón, urns pecan e outros non"* ("Padrón peppers, some are hot, and some are not"). * **Traditional Preparation: ** They are almost always prepared as a classic Spanish **tapas** dish. The peppers are quickly **fried or blistered** in hot olive oil, causing the skin to char and soften, and then immediately sprinkled with coarse sea salt. They are eaten whole, holding onto the stem. * **Flavor Profile: ** When cooked, their mild, nutty flavor is enhanced by a slightly smoky, savory finish.