Pimenton de la Vera - Spain

What is the Vera pepper?

Vera chilli pepper is a paprika with a protected designation of origin. To obtain this PDO, it must be produced in the province of Caceres in south-western Spain. The pimenton is a pepper originating in South America. During his travels, Christopher Columbus brought this pepper back to Isabella I of Castile, better known as Isabella the Catholic. She herself introduced the pimenton to the monastery of Yuste. The Jeronimos monks who lived there decided to grow this pepper in the heart of the Gredos mountain range, which enjoys a favourable climate. Since then, the pimenton de la Vera has become a kind of institution since it is used to make the famous Spanish chorizo, but also the paella.

What is the flavor of Vera pepper?

The Vera chilli pepper can be declined in several flavours, more or less spicy. I propose here a medium chilli pepper to satisfy all palates. It has a smoky taste with fruity notes. This is why some people call it smoked paprika.

Harvesting Vera chilli peppers from the plantations

The Vera chilli pepper is therefore grown in a specific region of Spain. This PDO chilli pepper grows on plants that can reach a height of up to 1m. The fruits are picked when they are ripe before being hung in a dryer to be smoked with beech wood. This is what gives the smoky note to the Vera pepper. This drying stage lasts about 15 days. To ensure proper drying, the peppers are turned regularly. Once dried, the chilli pepper is crushed with a stone grinder.

How to use the Vera chilli pepper in cooking?

Vera pepper, even if I offer it here in a medium version, is still a spicy spice. It is found in chorizo, it is this spice that gives it its power and unique taste, but also its red colour. For lovers of strong flavours, the Vera chilli pepper finds its place in a paella to give it a beautiful colour and an inimitable taste. Star of the Spanish cuisine, this chilli pepper is also used to make patatas bravas, potatoes with a spicy sauce. Have you ever tasted flamenco eggs? It's a pure delight. It is a stew of chorizo and various meats, according to your taste, cooked with chorizo and pimenton de la Vera. Before serving, the stew is served with fried eggs. If you like salads, the pimenton will find its place in a dish with artichoke hearts, peppers, tomatoes and dried Spanish ham. Always for the amateurs of slightly spicy dishes, I advise you to put Vera chilli pepper in stuffed tomatoes, they will take another dimension. Naturally, this medium pepper will be perfect for all your marinades of meat and fish cooked in the oven, on the plancha or on the barbecue.

The health benefits of the pimenton de la Vera

The chilli or paprika will seduce you with its gustatory qualities, but not only. This spice is rich in iron. It is a source of potassium, vitamin E, vitamin K and vitamin B2. An explosive cocktail for your well-being. For example, Vera chilli pepper is able to reduce joint pain and heavy legs. This spice limits the risks of anaemia with its iron content, while the vitamin helps prevent cardiovascular disease.

The conservation of the pimenton de la Vera pepper

I deliver my medium Vera chilli pepper in an airtight resealable bag. Store it preferably away from light and moisture.