Shishito Peppers, 獅子唐辛子 Shishitōgarashi

Shishito, 獅子唐辛子 Shishitōgarashi

AKA: THE "WRINKLED OLD MAN"... an appropriately named pepper. Did you know that 1 out of 10 peppers you eat might be spicy? It's a fun little snack. #russianroulette ;)

Growing the Shishito pepper plant at home

Botanical Name: 獅子唐辛子 Shishitōgarashi, Capsicum annuum,
Common Name(s): Shishito, Wrinkled Old Man, kkwari-gochu (꽈리고추; "groundcherry pepper") in Korea due to its wrinkled surface resembling groundcherries.
Growing Zone: 4 - 9+
Lighting Conditions: Full Sun
Average Height: 18" - 24" tall, 2" - 6" long fruit
Use(s): Culinary, Ornamental
Harvest Season: May - October
Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Harvesting Shishitos from the kitchen garden

Shishito peppers are best enjoyed between 2" - 6" long. They can be picked red or green and the flavor still remains the same... unless you happened to find yourself eating the 1/10th spiciest pepper of the batch! This makes them a great appetizer for dinner parties for some innocent "Russian Roulette" fun. ;)

Make sure you hold the base of the stem and the stalk firm when tugging the pepper off the plant. Its delicate branches can snap off easily when if you pull aggressively without care. The plant is sturdy and can take some abuse though, just make sure you amend the soil well so the plant has energy to bounce back.

How-To: Prepare A Quick Snack with blistered shishito Peppers

It's easy to blister up some shishitos for a quick and easy snack! Just head up a cast-iron skillet on high, coat peppers with a thin layer of oil and toss until partially charred. Season with furikake and plate to ENJOY!