Cubanelle
Also known as Cubanelle Pepper · Cuban Pepper
The Cubanelle is a sweet, mild Italian frying pepper known for its long, tapered shape and excellent flavor when sautéed. It's a staple in Italian-American cooking and much milder than a bell pepper.
About 1/25 the typical heat of a Capsi Jalapeño (25,086 SHU).
Growing
~65 days to maturity
Fruit size
10–15 cm
Flavor & Use
Sweet and tangy with a mild peppery finish and crisp texture. Ideal for sautéing — the thin skin blisters beautifully.
Culinary
About
Long, tapered, slightly curved peppers (4–6 inches) with thin, waxy skin. Starts pale green/yellow and ripens to bright red. Thick, crisp flesh with almost no heat.
Backstory
Developed in Italy with Cuban influence during the Columbian Exchange. Became popular in Italian-American communities in the early 20th century.
Appearance
Growing
Heritage
ExploreWe don't have a documented family for this pepper yet.
Sources
FAQ
- How hot is Cubanelle?
- Capsi’s sourced range is 1,000 SHU (Official breeder; typical 1,000). Capsi uses a sourced range and a trust tier, not a single marketing number. How we verify heat: https://web.thecapsi.app/learn/heat-and-capsaicin/how-we-measure-heat
- What does Cubanelle taste like?
- Sweet and tangy with a mild peppery finish and crisp texture. Ideal for sautéing — the thin skin blisters beautifully.
- How do I grow Cubanelle?
- Cubanelle: about 65 days to maturity, warm subtropical climate, full sun, hardiness zones 9-11.
- What can I substitute for Cubanelle?
- Anaheim, bell pepper