Padrón

Earthy and nutty with a sweet, green-pepper flavor and grassy notes. When blistered or fried the flavor becomes richer and slightly smoky; the thin skin nearly melts in the mouth. Heat is generally mild but unpredictable.

Padrón peppers are a landrace variety of *Capsicum annuum* originating from the municipality of Padrón in northwestern Spain (primarily the Herbón valley in the province of A Coruña, Galicia). They are small, elongated peppers, typically 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) long, with thin, wrinkled, and furrowed skin. Harvested immature and bright green, they have crisp, pale-green flesh and a vegetal/grassy taste. When allowed to ripen they turn vibrant red and become sweeter and hotter. Heat level varies significantly depending on growing conditions (sun exposure and water stress): most are mild, but roughly 1 in 10 can deliver a noticeable spicy kick.

According to legend, Franciscan monks brought pepper seeds from the New World (Central/South America) to the Convent of San Antonio in Herbón (parish near Padrón, Galicia) in the 16th–17th century. The variety adapted perfectly to the cool, damp Galician climate and became a local staple. It gained Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in 2010 as “Pemento de Herbón.” The peppers are the star of the annual Festa do Pemento do Padrón festival (held since 1979) and are a beloved tapas item across Spain.