By: Jenny T.B.
Published:
Updated:
When you’re just starting out, it’s hard to narrow down the chillies you want to grow.
If fact, Wikipedia estimates that there are over 50,000 varieties of Capsicum cultivars (pepper plants). (I’m sure most of these are delicious, but let’s make this best tasting peppers list simpler.)
Here’s the criteria for my “best peppers to grow list.” The pepper must:
- Be on the easier side to grow
- Be hardy (In other words, it has to be able to produce a lot.)
- Be some of the most flavorful peppers (in my humble opinion 😉 )
- Be one of the best chile varieties for popular uses like salsas and chili
Table Of Contents
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to it!
The Most Flavorful Peppers for Different Uses
These next sections list the types of peppers that are commonly used for each condiment or dish. You can definitely substitute other chillies when you’re ready to experiment. It’s just here to give you a starting point.
Best Peppers For Cooking
An easy way to cook these chillies is to sauté them in your favorite fat for a few minutes, and then salt them to your liking. (I love cooking them in grassfed ghee or coconut oil — yum!) These peppers are also great options for fajitas.
- Padrón
- Shish*to
- Cayenne pepper
- Thai Bird Chillies
- Bell peppers
Best Peppers For Salsa
A big factor in making salsa is what your heat preference is. In this list, Banana peppers are the least spicy, while Habanero peppers are the hottest.
- Jalapenos
- Habaneros
- Serranos
- Banana peppers
- Tabasco
- Pequin peppers
- Chile Puya
Best Peppers For Chili
Chili can be a very complex dish filled with all kinds of flavors, from mild to hot or fresh to smoky. I didn’t include common smoked or dried peppers, such as chipotles or anchos, because those require preparation. The peppers listed below can be used fresh and are delicious!
- Serranos
- Jalapenos
- Poblano peppers
- Super Chili
- Bell pepper
Best Peppers For Pickling
The chillies below are commonly used for preserving. To create a striking jar, pick these peppers at different maturity levels (i.e., when they are green versus red or whatever color they’re supposed to be when mature).
- Jalapenos
- Super Chili
- Banana peppers
- Pepperoncini
- Serranos
- Piquín peppers
- Pimiento peppers
Best Peppers For Topping Sandwiches and Pizza
Slice these chillies up and layer them on your pizza before it goes in the oven. They are also delicious as fresh peppers on a sandwich or even a salad or soup.
- Pepperoncini
- Banana peppers
- Jalapenos
- Serranos
- Fresno Chili
Best Peppers For Stuffing
These chillies are large enough to receive whatever delectable filling you want! Cheese, ground meat, sour cream… whatever you’d like. Put them in the oven to enjoy them as delicious, edible containers when they’re ready.
- Bell peppers
- Poblanos
- Anaheim Chili
- Corno di Toro
Best Peppers For Dogs
Wondering if your furry companions can enjoy chilies too? Turns out dogs can eat bell peppers. Perhaps as a snack when hiking with your dog!
If you need help growing any of these peppers, be sure to check out The Pepper Seed Starting Guide. This ebook steps you through all of the processes of starting seeds inside and growing them into strong plants that are ready for the outdoors.
Hey, You Missed Some!
If you’re thinking that I skipped some great chillies for each category, you’re right!
Here’s why they weren’t included:
- They are in the super hot peppers category. (Believe me, it hurt to leave these out because they are some of my favorites… hence, the name of this site. ;)) Really, really hot chillies are some of the harder types of hot peppers to grow. If you’re a beginner, I don’t want you to get discouraged because you couldn’t get those Carolina Reapers to grow on your first try!
- I wanted to make sure you could easily pick up these seeds or seedlings in big box stores. These retailers tend to carry varieties that have those hardiness and production factors, so that totally fits with our criteria.
Where To Get Your Pepper Plants and Seeds
If you’re like me, you may prefer to purchase from local sources whenever possible. The seeds and plants grown in your climate are more likely to be better acclimated to your environment.
Plus, local growers are going to provide varieties that work best in your area. Believe me, that has a lot to do with the success of your pepper plants!
Besides your nearby garden centers and nurseries, here are some other places where you can find pepper seeds and plants near you.
- Your local farmer’s market
- Online neighborhood forum like Nextdoor (there might be some gardening clubs/groups in your area that post about plant/seed swaps)
- Your county extension office (do a web search on your county name followed by “extension office”)
- Your local health foods store/grocery store
grow tips
If you want pepper seeds for uncommon varieties, your best bet is to shop online. This Pepper Seed Sellers List has 30 places to buy pepper seeds and plants for superhots, heirlooms, rare pepper seeds and more.
More Posts On Different Pepper Varieties:
- Types of Chili Peppers to Grow
- 113 Types of Pepper Plants That Will Make You Want to Grow Today
- 25 Best Companion Plants for Peppers + What to Avoid [Printable Chart]
- Growing Peppers from Seed to Harvest – The Ultimate Guide
- Are Peppers Fruits or Veggies? Depends on Who You Ask
When it comes to peppers, I'm all in. With over a decade of hands-on experience in cultivating various Capsicum cultivars, I've seen the diverse spectrum of flavors and growing complexities firsthand. Let's dive into the wealth of information within Jenny T.B.'s article.
Jenny's breakdown spans different pepper varieties suited for specific culinary purposes, focusing on factors like flavor, ease of growth, and versatility. For instance:
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Best Peppers For Cooking: This category emphasizes peppers suitable for sautéing and incorporating into dishes like fajitas. It includes the versatile bell peppers alongside the slightly spicy Padrón, Shish*to, and the heat-infusing Cayenne pepper.
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Best Peppers For Salsa: Salsa-making involves a heat spectrum. From milder Banana peppers to the fiery Habaneros and the moderately hot Serranos, these peppers cater to various heat preferences in salsa.
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Best Peppers For Chili: This section highlights peppers ideal for fresh use in chili. It features peppers like Serranos, Jalapenos, and Poblano peppers, offering a mix of mild to moderate heat and flavor complexity.
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Best Peppers For Pickling: Peppers that withstand pickling processes make this list. Jalapenos, Super Chili, and others are selected for their ability to preserve well and create visually appealing pickled jars.
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Best Peppers For Topping Sandwiches and Pizza: These peppers—Pepperoncini, Banana peppers, Jalapenos, among others—are recommended for fresh toppings on pizza, sandwiches, salads, or soups, enhancing flavor and adding a hint of heat.
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Best Peppers For Stuffing: Larger peppers like Bell peppers, Poblanos, Anaheim Chili, and Corno di Toro are highlighted for their capacity to be stuffed with various fillings, providing culinary versatility.
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Best Peppers For Dogs: Interestingly, some peppers like Bell peppers can be shared with furry friends. They're safe for dogs and could serve as an occasional snack during activities like hiking.
Jenny also sheds light on why certain peppers didn't make the cut. Super-hot varieties, despite their appeal, were excluded due to their challenging growth nature, ensuring beginners don't face unnecessary hurdles. Accessibility was another criterion, focusing on varieties easily found in big box stores.
Additionally, she guides readers on where to procure seeds and plants. Local sources are recommended for better acclimatization, while online platforms offer a broader selection, especially for rare or uncommon pepper varieties.
Moreover, Jenny's article doesn't just stop at listing peppers; it extends to companion planting, cultivation guides, and even the debate on whether peppers are fruits or veggies, providing a comprehensive resource for pepper enthusiasts at every stage of their journey.
