What is a pimento?

A pimento (pronounced pih-MEN-toe) is the fruit of the Capsicum annum plant, a type of sweet pepper. While often called a pimento pepper, it's crucial to distinguish it from other peppers sharing the Capsicum annum lineage:

• Sweetness: Pimentos are known for their mild, sweet flavor. They're not spicy at all, unlike many other peppers in the Capsicum family.

• Appearance: They're typically large, heart-shaped, and a deep red color when ripe. They have thick flesh and relatively few seeds.

• Uses: Pimentos are most famously used in pimento cheese, a Southern US staple. They're also used in:

  • Stuffed peppers: Their large size makes them ideal for stuffing.
  • Salads: They add a touch of sweetness and color.
  • Garnishes: They can be chopped and used as a garnish for various dishes.
  • Pickled: They can be pickled and served as a condiment.

• "Pimento" vs. "Allspice": Confusion sometimes arises because the word "pimento" is also used to refer to allspice, a completely different spice derived from the Pimenta dioica tree. They are not related. When talking about the pepper, it's often called a "pimento pepper" for clarity.

In short, a pimento is a large, sweet, red pepper with thick flesh, prized for its mild flavor and versatile culinary applications.