Pimientos de Padrón Seeds

Padrón Peppers, a delightful, bite-sized variety of Capsicum annuum that will ignite your taste buds with their tantalising flavour. Native to the Padrón region of Spain, these peppers are cherished for their mild to medium heat and a subtle hint of sweetness. Enhance your culinary experience with these tiny yet mighty chilli peppers!

Growing Padrón peppers in New Zealand is an absolute joy, thanks to the country's favourable climate. Begin by sowing the seeds indoors in late summer, ensuring that they receive ample sunlight and warmth. Transplant your seedlings outside in autumn, allowing them to thrive in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH level between 6 and 7.

As your Padrón pepper plants grow, they will require regular watering to maintain moist but not overly saturated soil. Providing a balanced fertiliser will promote healthy growth and an abundant harvest. Watch your plants flourish under the New Zealand sun, and within 70-80 days, you'll be rewarded with an impressive yield of up to 50 or more pods per plant.

Padrón peppers are best harvested while they're still green and slightly underripe. Pick the peppers when they're about 3-5cm in length and 2cm in diameter. The distinct flavour of Padrón peppers shines through when they're fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, making for an irresistible and simple tapa.

The heat level of Padrón peppers can be a delightful surprise, ranging from 500 to 2,500 SHUs. While most peppers are mild, a small percentage may pack a fiery punch due to genetic variations. This unpredictability adds an exciting twist to your dishes, making every bite a thrilling adventure.

Padrón peppers, like all plants, can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, and treat them with appropriate organic pest control methods. Regularly check your plants for signs of diseases like blight or mosaic virus, and remove affected leaves to keep your peppers healthy and thriving.

Padrón peppers lend themselves to a variety of mouth-watering dishes that showcase their unique taste:

• Padrón Peppers Fritos: Classic fried Padrón peppers with sea salt.
• Padrón Peppers con Queso: Grilled Padrón peppers stuffed with cheese.
• Paella de Padrón Peppers: A flavourful addition to traditional Spanish paella.
• Patatas Bravas con Padrón Peppers: A spicy twist on crispy fried potatoes.
• Grilled Padrón Pepper Skewers: Perfect as a side dish or part of a larger spread.