What Are Shishito Peppers?
Shishito peppers originated in Japan and are a small, savory green pepper that’s perfect for easy roasting and snacking in large part due to its thin skin that helps it cook quickly and absorb flavor easily. Approximately one in 10 shishito peppers might have a surpising kick of heat, but most of them are mild.
Why Are Only Some Shishitos Peppers Spicy?
Shishito peppers are part of the chile pepper family, which can produce capsaicin (aka spice). According to Noah Robbins, founder and CEO of Ark Foods, “If you encounter a spicy shishito, it’s more of a quick kick of heat, rather than an overwhelming, lingering spice.” (For reference, bell peppers have no capsaicin, which is why they are universally mild.) “Each pepper on the shishito plant reacts differently to natural elements and the soil,” he says. “While some shishitos on the plant can withstand extreme variance in temperatures and stay mild—for example, uncharacteristically hot nights—the stress caused by nature on the pepper can make its natural capsaicin more pronounced.”
Buying and Growing Shishito Peppers
Buy It: Ark Foods Shishito Peppers ($4, FreshDirect)
How to Store Shishito Peppers
Shishito peppers will last up to two weeks (maybe longer) when kept dry and stored in the fridge. As long as they’re still firm and not mushy, they’re still good. Ripe shishitos are bright green, but if you find a red or orange pepper in the bag, it’s perfectly normal and still fine to eat.
