Description/Taste

Florina peppers are large, elongated, and slightly curved pods often likened to the form of a cow’s horn in Greece, and have a conical shape that tapers to a distinct point on the non-stem end. The skin is glossy, smooth, and firm, ripening from green to a deep red when mature, and connects to a long and semi-thick, bright green stem. Underneath the skin, the pale red flesh is crisp, highly fragrant, and aqueous, encasing a hollow, central cavity that contains many small, flat, and round, cream-colored seeds. When consumed, Florina peppers are crunchy and tender with a sweet flavor.

Seasons/Availability

Fresh Florina peppers are available in the fall in Greece, while the canned peppers are available year-round.

Current Facts

Florina peppers, botanically classified as Capsicum annuum, are thick, curved fruits that grow on low, leafy bushes and are members of the Solanaceae, or nightshade family. Named after Florina, a small mountain town in Greece where the peppers are grown, Florina peppers are harvested each season by hand and are considered to be one of the most exported peppers of Greece. Florina peppers are highly favored for their sweet taste and are primarily roasted and sold in jars filled with vinegar, herbs, and oils.

Nutritional Value

Florina peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help protect the immune system and increase collagen production within the body. The peppers are also a good source of vitamins C, D, K, and E, iron, manganese, potassium, and fiber.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In Greece, Florina peppers are layered in large piles at fresh markets to create a bright, colorful, and fragrant display to attract consumers. Offered fresh for a limited time, Florina peppers are only grown in Florina and were awarded the Protected Designation of Origin in 1994. A label given by the World Trade Organization, these peppers are geographically safeguarded, and only the peppers grown in Florina are given the famous name to ensure that quality is maintained. In Aetos, Florina, a small village within the region, an annual festival known as the Feast of the Pepper is also held to celebrate the pepper’s economic and culinary impact. During the festival, the townspeople of Aetos set up tables in the center of the village to celebrate the history of the red pepper through a wide range of meals, live music, and entertainment.

Geography/History

Florina peppers are descendants of sweet peppers that were introduced from Brazil to Greece in the 17th century and were test cultivated in several regions throughout Greece. From these test regions, Florina peppers were only successful in the soil and climate of Florina, and today Florina is still the only region in Greece to grow the peppers. Florina peppers can be found at fresh local markets in Florina and surrounding cities, and in canned form, the peppers are sold internationally in North America, Australia, Europe, and Asia.

Midas’ Gardens Salad Dressing

The sweet red Florinis pepper with tones of smoked pepper marries perfectly with the extra virgin olive oil, giving your salad an extra Mediterranean flavor. Tip: add this product to mayonnaise or mustard. Alternatively, you can get ideas and recipes from our recipe page.