Pepperoncini Pepper: A Mild Classic with Big Flavor

If you’ve ever bitten into a tangy pickled pepper on a sandwich or in an antipasto salad and thought, “What is this delicious little guy?”, chances are, it was a pepperoncini pepper.

This mild chili is a staple in Mediterranean and American kitchens alike. It’s more about zing than sting, but don’t let that fool you, the pepperoncini brings serious flavor and versatility to the table.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this mild-mannered superstar.

What Are Pepperoncini Peppers?

The pepperoncini pepper is a type of chili from the Capsicum annuum species, sometimes crossing over into Capsicum frutescens territory depending on the cultivar. In Italy, peperoncino is a generic term for hot chili peppers, especially local varieties found across the country. These include both spicy and sweet types.

Worth noting: in Italian, peperoncino refers to the hot ones, while peperone refers to sweet bell peppers.

In North America, when we say pepperoncini, we’re usually talking about a mild, slightly sweet, and tangy pepper that’s most often pickled and found in salads, sandwiches, or straight out of the jar.

There are two common types:

• Greek pepperoncini (also called Golden Greek peppers) – slightly sweeter and lighter in color.
• Italian pepperoncini – more wrinkled, slightly more bitter.

Both are widely grown and enjoyed for their mellow heat and zesty flavor.

Scoville heat units (SHU)	100-500 SHU
Species	Capsicum Annuum
Origin	Italy
Size	2-3″ wrinkly and tapered
Flavor	Tangy, sweet, and bitter

Pepperoncini Peppers Scoville Rating (SHU)?

On the Scoville Heat Scale, the pepperoncini pepper clocks in at a very gentle 100 to 500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). That puts it way below a jalapeño (2,500–8,000 SHU) and even milder than most banana peppers.

You’ll definitely taste a little heat, more of a warm tingle than a burn, but the main attraction is its tangy, slightly sweet flavor. This makes it perfect for folks who are spice-curious but not ready to dance with the superhots.

What Do Pepperoncini Peppers Look Like?

Fresh pepperoncini peppers are usually 2 to 3 inches long, slightly curved, and have a wrinkled, thin skin. They start off green and ripen to a brighter yellow-green or even light red when left on the plant. Most of the time, though, you’ll see them pickled, that’s when they take on that familiar pale yellow or greenish hue.

The skin is tender, the flesh is crisp when fresh, and they’re usually harvested before full maturity to preserve that mildness and crunch.

Greek varieties are usually a bit shorter and smoother, while Italian ones tend to be more wrinkly.

How To Use Pepperoncini Peppers?

This is where the pepperoncini pepper shines. Its tangy bite and mellow heat make it one of the most versatile mild peppers around.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to use them:

• Pickled and tossed in salads – Adds just the right zing to a Greek salad or a sub.
• Sandwich topping – Classic on Italian hoagies, gyros, and wraps.
• Pizza garnish – For a crunchy, vinegary burst of flavor.
• Charcuterie boards – A natural fit with olives, meats, and cheeses.
• Stuffed pepper appetizer – Try stuffing whole pepperoncini with cheese or sausage for a killer party snack.

Want to get fancy? Chop them up and mix into creamy dressings, salsas, or even pasta salads. Their brightness can cut through rich, heavy dishes beautifully.

Where To Buy Pepperoncini Peppers?

Looking for pepperoncini peppers? You’ve got options:

Grocery Stores

• Most supermarkets stock pickled pepperoncini in jars, usually near the pickles or olives.
• Occasionally, you’ll find fresh pepperoncini in the produce section, especially during peak season (late summer).

Farmers’ Markets & Specialty Stores

• Some farmers and specialty grocers grow fresh Greek or Italian varieties.
• Mediterranean or Italian markets often carry both fresh and jarred pepperoncini.

Online

• Sites like Amazon, specialty pepper shops, and even seed companies sell:
  • Jarred pickled pepperoncini
  • Pepperoncini seeds for growing your own

Speaking of which, if you’re into growing your own peppers, pepperoncini plants are super easy to grow, even for beginners. They do great in containers and love full sun.