Despite the attention surrounding this pepper in Espelette, France, it is actually native to the United States and was imported to France in the 16th century. Every year, the town of Espelette hosts more than 20,000 people for the pepper festival. This pepper has also been granted a protected designation of origin (PDO) since 1997.
This growing enthusiasm for the pepper is increasingly widespread, gaining popularity year after year. It is used in various exotic dishes, but it is now also used as a flavor-enhancing condiment.
Origin:
This pepper is native to the United States.
Scoville Scale: 4
1,500 to 2,500
Flavors:
Fruity and smoky, with a sharp taste that quickly fades.