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Spicy exchange / 2023

Italian Long Hots Peppers: An Italian-American Favorite

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What are Italian Long Hots?

Italian Long Hots are a type of chili pepper with a mild, sweet flavor that is different from most chili peppers. 

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Italian Long Hots grow to around 6-8 inches long and .75-2 inches in diameter, with a body that curves slightly at the end. They have smooth, glossy, and waxy skin with folds and creases.

What do they look like?

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How hot are they?

Most peppers known for spice are popular because they are extremely hot. The opposite is true for Italian long hots: they are popular because they are particularly mild compared to most chili peppers. They typically range from 100-1,000 SHU.

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Italian long hots have a distinct flavor unlike any other pepper. They can be compared to bell peppers, but with more heat and complexity and much thinner walls. They are slightly tangy with a great depth of flavor that can be enhanced by cooking them at high heat.

What do they taste like?

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How to use them

These peppers can be used at different maturity levels when they are green or red to add flavor and very mild heat. They can be used raw in salads and side dishes or added to sauces, soups, and pasta.

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