What is the niora pepper?

Niora pepper (also known by its real name Nora pepper) is a key ingredient in Spanish cuisine. It is a small pepper, the fruit of the plant: Nora (Niora in Catalan) of the variety Capsicum annuum.

Although native to South America, Niora is also grown in Spain in the Murcia and Alicante regions.

Niora pepper is a small red pepper with a low spiciness. He has a score of 2 on the Scoville scale. However, its taste adds character to your kitchen.

David Vanille's choice: I have chosen to present you with a crushed Niora chilli pepper from Spain, dried and smoked according to tradition. You will appreciate its moderate spiciness and slightly sweet flavours. Ideal to spice up your dishes without anaesthetizing your palate.

The harvest of Niora pepper

In Spain, Niora pepper is harvested by hand. It reaches full maturity in October and November. Once the fruits of the plant are harvested, they are made into rosaries that are dried and then smoked in oak wood for 10 to 15 days. This process of drying and smoking peppers is a tradition in Spain.

Niora chilli pepper develops smoky and fruity scents. In the mouth, the combination of smoked and fruity flavours works perfectly.

The differences between Niora pepper and Espelette pepper

Both the niora and Espelette peppers have a low to medium intensity spice and are often dried in a rosary. If Espelette chilli pepper develops hay, tomato and roasted pepper scents, Niora chilli pepper is recognizable by its sweet and fruity flavours combined with a smoky aroma.

The origins of Niora pepper

The Niora pepper has its origins in South America. The Aztecs already cultivated this plant and consumed its fruits daily. It was used in cooking but also as a remedy.

In the 14th century, the conquistadors brought back Niora pepper from their travels. The Niora plant develops perfectly in the sun, its cultivation has lasted over time. Today, Niora pepper is a common spice in Spain.

Niora pepper nowadays

This small round and red pepper is also grown in Morocco. The average yield of this crop is 2 to 5 tonnes per hectare cultivated. In fact, more than 6,000 tons of chilli pepper are consumed in Morocco every year, making it the most widely sold spice in the country.

Other uses of chilli pepper

• rich in vitamins A, C, B6 and K
• iron source
• rich in copper and manganese
• a digestion facilitator
• diuretic

Good to know: Pepper can cause hemorrhoids and heartburn if consumed in too high a dose.

How to use in the kitchen?

Niora Pepper is truly a star of Spanish cuisine and is also widely used in Moroccan cuisine. It is consumed in its original form (cut into pieces), crushed like the Niora pepper that I have selected for you or in the form of niora pepper powder

In Spain, it is used in particular in the composition of chorizo, it is it that gives it its orange-red colour and fragrance. It is also found in paella, typical red sauces such as sofregit.

Niora pepper is also used in marinades for white meats and fish. It can also be used to spice up mayonnaise and is perfect to spice up a vegetable pan. In short, an essential part of southern Mediterranean cuisine.

Our recipe ideas with Niora pepper

Would you like to discover all the flavour and controlled spiciness of Niora chilli pepper? From the starter to the dessert, I offer you a menu where this crushed Spanish chilli pepper is highlighted.

Starter: Shrimp tomatoes with spicy mayonnaise

A quick cold starter to make that is a little spicy! Cut the top off your tomatoes and empty them. Keep the flesh. Choose grey or pink shrimp. Season with salt and pepper and mix them with the tomato flesh. Add a pinch of chilli per tablespoon of mayonnaise. Mix your shrimp with the mayonnaise and garnish your tomatoes. Serve chilled with a good fruity white wine.

The dish: Turkey and vegetable sauce with chilli pepper

And here is a dish of the day with Mediterranean accents that is easy to make. Marinate your turkey sautés in spicy olive oil for a few hours. To make it add to 15 cl of oil half a spoon of crushed Nioracasse pepper, salt and thyme. Let stand in a cool place. Cut peppers into strips and slice an onion. Fry them in a little oil. Cook raw in a frying pan. Grill your turkey sausages and serve.

Dessert: Madeleines with Niora chilli pepper

If the chilli pepper blends perfectly with chocolate, it can also bring a little pep to classic cakes. Add a pinch of chilli to your Madeleines device. You can also cut and grill raw ham or bacon into small pieces and incorporate them into your preparation. A delight as an aperitif or with a well-vinegarized salad.

How to store crushed Niora chilli pepper?

Like all spices, crushed Niora chilli pepper can be stored in a cool, dry place. Prefer an airtight container and storage away from light. Your chilli pepper will thus retain all its flavours.