Solanacées • Capsicum annuum

Espelette Pepper - Organic

"A deep red chili pepper, warm and aromatic, a perfect match for sunny gardens."

$4.49

Number of seeds 20 seeds

Originating in the Basque Country, the Gorria pepper belongs to the large Capsicum annuum family, those peppers and chilies that traveled from the American continent to Europe before finding their place in our vegetable gardens. It is the very origin of the famous Espelette pepper, with which it shares its elongated shape, intense red color, and sweet, fruity aroma.

In the garden, the Gorria forms a bushy, well-branched plant, covered in elongated, drooping fruits. These fruits change from green to bright red throughout the summer, adding a luminous touch to the growing area. In a harmonious garden, it finds its place among summer vegetables, in welcoming, warm soil, where each act of sowing and planting becomes an age-old gesture that connects the gardener to the cycle of the seasons.

Its heat is moderate, allowing its aroma to take center stage: a welcome presence in both the kitchen and the vegetable garden. Cultivated with a deep-rooted and respectful approach, the Gorria chili pepper becomes a reliable plant, offering a generous harvest of fruit to dry, grind, or cook fresh, while enriching the diversity of a vibrant garden.

Growing climate: Warm season
Sowing difficulty level: Medium
Care required: Regular
Growth: Summer growth

Note: Sensitive to cold; requires well-warmed soil and a sufficiently long summer for good fruit ripening.

The Gorria pepper is closely associated with Basque culinary tradition, where it is dried and then ground into powder to produce the famous Espelette pepper. In cooking, it is appreciated for its moderate heat and especially for its fruity and slightly smoky aroma when dried.

Fruits can be used:

fresh, in thin slices or small pieces, to enhance sauces, stews and vegetable dishes;
dried whole, hung in strings, then crumbled as needed;
ground into powder after complete drying, to season meats, soups, eggs, roasted vegetables and marinades.

Gorria powder is an excellent substitute for paprika or other mild to medium chilies, providing a characteristic flavor without being too spicy. The dried fruit can be stored for several months in an airtight jar, away from light and moisture.