Also consider
Varieties
Topik –These round peppers can be found in mezze, tapas and antipasti dishes throughout the Mediterranean. Preserved in olive oil, they’re usually stuffed with goat’s cheese, but you could use mascarpone, provolone, prosciutto, anchovies… Crisp and sweet, they can also be roasted or used in salads.
Banana – Their pale green/yellow hue when growing accounts for the name; they can be picked like this, or allowed to ripen red and sweet. Ideal for chopping into salads, grilling, or pickling and using as a pizza topping.
Bulgarian Fish – Flattened lengthways and wider in the middle, they do have a certain fish-like appearance. Thick-skinned and crunchy, they’re traditionally used as the core ingredient of Ljutenica, a spicy veg relish for livening up meat dishes or spreading on toast (if you’re feeling brave).
Storage
For best results: remove stalks, keep in the bag in the fridge for about a week.
Cooking
To prepare, cut lengthways and slice off the stem (remove the seeds and membrane if you want an even milder heat). Wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes or any sensitive skin.
Organic chilli farmer
We’re chilli fiends, growing all sorts of varieties here in Devon, and on Guy’s farm in France. We decided which should go in our mild mix and which in our hot mix using the Scoville Scale as well as our own taste tests.