Piment d'Espelette Basque Country - A chili for gourmets
Piment d'Espelette from the French Basque Country is a chili for gourmets. This delicate chili variety, Capsicum Annuum var. Gorria has been grown since 1650 in the French Basque Country. The word Gorria is Basque and means red. These chili peppers are iridescent red in red, about 7-14 cm long, are elongated with a rounded tip. The dried chili pods turn dark red to reddish-brown. The spice obtained is called in Basque Ezpeletako Biperra.
Its origin
This aromatic spice comes from the French Basque Country, the village of Ustaritzm, in the Aquitaine region. The plant, Capsicum Annuum var. Gorria has its origins in South America and was brought by Columbus to France. Here, in the Basque Country, this delicious chili pepper has been cultivated since 1650 and is used for preserving meat, and as a condiment. It is an aromatic chili in which the taste and not the sharpness is in the foreground.
Basque Country Ustaritz: The cultivation
The cultivation of this French chili pepper still follows traditions. Every year they select the seeds of the best plants for sowing the next year. Besides, they dry the Piment d'Espelette on the facades of their houses in the entire region. Before this chili is processed, it is thoroughly inspected and scrutinized for its quality.
Piment d'Espelette: its aroma
You can describe the flavor of the French chili Piment d'Espelette as follows. It smells like dry hay and ripe roasted fruity-tomatoes and peppers. It also has a red color and tastes sweet with a bitter touch. The taste of the French Piment D'Espellte Basque Country is uniquely aromatic with a medium sharpness.
Culinary use of French Chili
French Chili from the Basque Country fits appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. It is proper for all dishes that you want to give a moderate sharpness. The French chili is versatile with its distinguished taste. In Ustaritz, you put salt and Piment d'Espelette on the table to flavor your dishes. Try it too.
Every Year, in the village of Espelette, they celebrate a festival in honor of this delicate chili. During the last weekend of October, this festival takes place. It is a beautiful festival, and it is worth visiting if you are there at this time.
