Pepper Sweetmie Red plants - Capsicum annuum

The Sweetmie Red Pepper is a miniature vegetable that grows perfectly well in a pot, on the balcony or on the terrace, but also in small vegetable gardens. This easy to grow hybrid variety has small red fruits, shaped like horns, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long. They are Mild and sweet and can be cooked or enjoyed raw.

Peppers and chillies come from the same plant! They are the result of successive selections that have led to the pepper, with a mild flavour, and the chilli, with a spicy flavour. The spiciness of chillies is measured on the Scoville scale, ranging from 0 to 10 (0 corresponding to the fruit). They were introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus and quickly spread around the world. Apart from a few varieties, peppers and chillies are grown as annuals in our climates.

They belong to the Solanaceae family and are divided into five main species: Capsicum annuum (the most common), Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum pubescens.

The fruits are initially green and will take on their final colour as they ripen: red, yellow, brown, orange, purple... Their shape varies: square, elongated, short...

Peppers and chillies are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, including capsaicin, which is responsible for the hot flavour of these fruits.

In terms of cuisine, peppers and chillies are used in many cuisines around the world and can be cooked in multiple ways. Peppers can be consumed raw or cooked, stuffed, marinated, grilled, in salads, ratatouilles... while fresh or dried chillies enhance and spice up dishes according to their heat.

These fruit vegetables are greedy plants, requiring very rich soil and full sun.

Harvest: The harvest takes place from August to October (or as early as July for some varieties), by cutting the stem above the fruit.

Storage: Peppers and chillies can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. They can also be frozen or dried.