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Chilli ‘Padron’
£3.20
Availability: In stock
Capsicum Annuum– 10 seeds
Calling all tapas lovers!
The Padron pepper is a popular Spanish heirloom, well known for its use in tapas, where the young, green peppers are fried in olive oil until blistered and served with a pinch of salt. Originating from Galicia in north-west Spain, the peppers are famous for their unpredictable heat. Generally the peppers are very mild when young, but every so often a rogue spicy one appears, adding a little surprise and a lot of fun.
The chilli seeds should be sown in trays or modules from late December to April at 18-21C. Pot on when seedlings are large enough to handle and continue to pot on as they grow. Plant out in late spring/early summer.
Seed Story
Chilli Peppers were brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus in the 1400’s.
Chillies originated in Mexico and are one of the oldest cultivated crops in the Americas. They have been part of the human diet since 7500BC.
The Aztecs discovered the medicinal qualities of capsaicin which is what gives chillies their heat. capsaicin was used to reduce blood pressure, relieve pain and is even said to increase metabolism and help with digestive issues.
Chillies are the traditional treatment for toothache in Mexico
In Africa, chillies are laid on fences around crops to deter elephants!
There are many species of capsicum but only 5 have actually been domesticated including two very popular types:
Capsicum Anuum which includes bell peppers, paprika, jalapeño’s and cayenne
Capsicum Chinensis which includes the habanero and scotch bonnet.
Chillies were introduced to Asia by Portuguese traders who sold them based on the similarities to black pepper in taste. They then introduced them to India at the end of the 15th century.
