Cubanelle Pepper
Capsicum annuum
Seeds per pack ~ 25
Germination: 84% Oct 2024, (Packed for 2025)
The Cubanelle is considered a sweet pepper, although its heat can range from mild to very moderate. It is not a very hot pepper by most standards. The peppers are usually picked before they ripen, when they are light green or a yellow-green color, but when ripe, they turn bright red to orange-red.
Also known as "Italian frying peppers," Cubanelle sweet peppers, are a variety of Capsicum annuum that are popular in dishes for their mild, sweet flavor and tender flesh. They typically start as a light green or yellow-green and mature to red or yellow, but they are often harvested and eaten while still in their green or yellow stage. Cubanelle peppers are long, slender, and slightly curved with a tapered end, making them easily distinguishable from other types of peppers. They are generally about 4 to 6 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Compared to bell peppers, Cubanelles have a sweeter and more nuanced flavor with a very mild heat. They lack the bitterness that can sometimes be associated with green bell peppers. The flesh is thinner and more tender than that of bell peppers, which makes them particularly good for quick cooking methods like frying.
They are often used in cooking for their ability to absorb flavors and add a sweet, mild taste to dishes. They're particularly popular in Italian, Dominican, and Puerto Rican cuisines. As their nickname "Italian frying peppers" suggests, they are excellent for frying. They can be sautéed with olive oil and garlic for a simple side dish or added to sandwiches, pizzas, and salads for extra flavor. Their size and shape make them suitable for stuffing with various fillings, such as cheese, meat, or rice mixtures, then baked or grilled. Cubanelle peppers are low in calories and contain vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
They are relatively easy to grow in warm climates and mature in about 60 to 75 days after planting. They require full sun and well-drained soil, similar to other pepper varieties.
