Fish Peppers
(Capsicum annuum)
Fish
Peppers are an American heirloom pepper that was used in African
American communities around Baltimore and Philadelphia in the late
1800s. It was principally added to crab and oyster dishes to provide
flavor and heat. Fish peppers are a moderately hot chili.
The origin of Fish Peppers is unknown. Some have speculated that it is a selection from Serrano chilies, which are known to have numerous variants. The Fish Pepper is very ornamental. The leaves are light green with white striping. The peppers can also show striping and progress through several color stages before turning red when completely ripe.
Fish Peppers are rare in the market place outside of the Chesapeake Bay. They have recently been named to the Ark of Taste by the Slow Food USA movement and consequently they have gathered a small but growing audience.
These Fish Peppers were grown organically in my garden in the Valley of the Moon.
C. Lindquist
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