• Piment d’Espelette, PDO certified
  • Piment d’Espelette, PDO certified
  • Piment d’Espelette, PDO certified
  • Piment d’Espelette, PDO certified

Piment d’Espelette, PDO certified

€13,30
€13,30
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The cult spice from the Basque Country

Piment d’Espelette is the only AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) certified spice in France and has cult status in the gourmet world.

Piment d’Espelette is made from a particular type of chili pepper that originates from the area around Espelette, a small town in the Basque Country in southwestern France.

It is known for its mild heat and complex flavor profile, which combines fruity, smoky, and slightly sweet notes.

More about Piment d’Espelette

Origin

  • The Espelette chili was originally brought to the region from South America in the 16th century. It is now grown under strict regulations in and around 10 villages in the region.

Protected Designation of Origin (AOP)

  • Since 2000, Piment d’Espelette has held AOP status, ensuring that only chilies from this specific area can be sold under this name.

Processing and Strength

  • The peppers are harvested, dried, and ground into a fine reddish powder.
  • On the Scoville scale, Piment d’Espelette is relatively mild, ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units), making it milder than many other chilies.

Flavor and use

  • It has a unique balance of mild heat and aromatic nuances, making it popular in both traditional and modern recipes.
  • Piment d’Espelette is often used as a substitute for black pepper and added to meat dishes, sauces, soups, and even chocolate for a subtle spicy kick. It can also be sprinkled directly on your food.

Why is the pepper so special?

  • Piment d’Espelette is considered a delicate spice in French cuisine and is known for adding both flavor and color to dishes. It is an indispensable ingredient in Basque cooking, where it is used in dishes like piperade (a vegetable dish with onions, tomatoes, and peppers).

At Mill & Mortar, we have seen a huge surge in sales of Piment d’Espelette over the past 8 years. Previously, it was mostly known to Francophiles and top chefs. Now, many others have also discovered that this spice brings something truly special...

Product information
Ingredients: Piment d’Espelette
Net weight: 40 g
Storage: In a dark, dry and airtight space
Origin: French commune of Espelette, Pyrénées-Atlantiques