Shishito pepper originates from Japan. It is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum, closely related to chilli pepper. The plant tends to grow up to 300mm high and has broad leaves.
Shishito peppers are smaller than regular chilli peppers, round in shape and have thin skins. They contain very little capsaicin – the substance responsible for the heat in chilli peppers. As a result, shishito peppers are mildly spicy with a sweet and slightly smoky flavour.
The peak season for shishito peppers is from late summer to early autumn. They can be eaten raw or cooked. When raw, they have a slight crunch but become tender when cooked. Shishitos are also well known for their rich nutritional value and unique taste.
The pepper is thin, long, and finger-like and is often harvested while it is still green, even though it can be used when it is ripe as well.
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Nutritional Information of Shishito Pepper
Shishito peppers are a wonderful source of carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. The nutritional information per pepper is as follows;
Vitamin A – 1.1%
Vitamin C – 5%
Iron – 0.3%.
Dietary Fiber 0.3g – 1%
Shishito peppers can be used the same way chilli pepper is used. In most cases, it is served as an appetizer, or as a garnish or side dish.
Potential Health Benefits of Shishito Peppers
Shishito peppers have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
The antioxidants present in shishito peppers help to scavenge harmful toxins and free radicals from the body, which can damage cells and contribute to ageing or cancer. This means it can help reduce your chances of getting cancer.
The anti-inflammatory compounds in shishito peppers can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may help to protect against arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and various autoimmune diseases. They also have fibre, so they can help you manage your weight better.
They prevent constipation
Due to the fibre in the peppers, Shishitos can prevent constipation, and even help to increase bowel movements.
They are great for your skin
Shishito peppers are great for your skin because they contain vitamins A, C, and E which help with the overall improvement of your skin and keep it fresh and healthy.
Improves the immune system
Shishito peppers contain a generous amount of vitamin C alongside other vitamins which will help your immune system a lot. It will also improve your nervous system and repair your body cells as well.
They can protect your colon
The fibre in shishito peppers helps to increase bowel movements and reduce the events of constipation and protect the inner linings of the colon.
Best Shishito Pepper Seeds for Planting
1. Organic Shishito Pepper Seeds
Cost: $7.88
2. 500+ Green Shishito Pepper Seeds – Heirloom Chili Pepper Seeds for Planting
Cost: $11.99
3. Shishito Hot Peppers Seeds (20+ Seeds) | Non-GMO | Vegetable Fruit Herb Flower Seeds for Planting
Cost: $2.99
Shishito Pepper Recipes
Shishito peppers are typically used in Japanese cooking. When cooked, they have a smoky flavour that is distinct from chilli pepper or bell pepper. They are also great for making spicy dishes because of their mild spice.
Here are some of the most popular dishes that use shishito peppers;
Blistered Shishito Peppers
How to make it
What you’ll need: A good amount of shishito peppers, oil, and a skillet.
- Start by washing the peppers and setting them aside to dry.
- Toss the shishito peppers around in a paltry amount of oil before cooking it.
- Place your skillet over medium heat and wait for it to heat up. The hack is to get it so hot that water evaporates in milliseconds.
- Oil the peppers and place them on the skillet. Turn them at intervals and stir them until they appear blistered. There you have it, your shishito peppers are ready!
You can serve them with lemon or a sprinkle of salt on the side.
Other popular dishes you can make using shishito pepper include:
Shishito Peppers with Crispy Tofu and Truffle Oil
This dish is perfect for people who love sweet truffle flavour. You can get a great aroma from this dish, which will make you feel like eating in a high-class restaurant.
Grilled Shishito Peppers with Miso
This dish is perfect for people who love the taste of miso. The grilled peppers will give a great smoky flavour to the peppers and make them even more delicious.
Sautéed Shishito Peppers with Garlic and Soy Sauce
If you are looking for a simple dish, but wants to enjoy the delicious taste of shishito peppers, try this recipe. It will only take a few minutes to cook and you will love the taste of garlic and soy sauce with the peppers.
Roasted Shishito Peppers with Parmesan
This is a very simple and easy dish to make, but it is delicious. The roasted shishito peppers together with the parmesan cheese will make you feel like eating in a classy restaurant.
Shishito Pepper Salad
This is not your typical salad, but it is delicious and very easy to make. You can serve this dish for any occasion because it looks beautiful and people won’t even know that they are eating peppers.
There are many other dishes that you can make with shishito peppers, and the possibilities are endless. Be creative and experiment with different flavours to see what you like the best.
Side Effects and Allergies of Shishito Peppers
Although it is quite unpopular for people to experience side effects from consuming shishito peppers, in rare occurrences, below are the potential side effects.
- Experiencing itchy or swollen eyes.
- Eczema and rashes around the neck, face, or skin.
- Chronic headache
- Abdominal pain and swelling of the face and mouth.
- Continuous vomiting.
How to Store Shishito Peppers
Shishito peppers can last for up to two weeks when stored in the fridge. Make sure to store them in a plastic bag and keep them in the crisper drawer. They can also be frozen for up to six months, but it is best to blanch them first before freezing. Freezing is the best option for long-term storage. You can store them in a mesh or Ziploc bag to prevent moisture and put them in a freezer.
Now that you know all about shishito peppers, it’s time to try them out in some delicious recipes. Be creative and experiment with different flavours to see what you like the best. Who knows, you might just find your new favourite dish!
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