So, what Would a Peppadew?
I am so glad you asked, because the answer is: a lot of things! This is one busy little pepper (we will get to that in a bit...)!
Derived from "pepper," and "dew," it is the brand name of this bright red, shiny, roundish pepper that is grown in the South African province of Limpopo. Global awareness of this radiant gem came around 1993, roughly the time of the end of apartheid, and the pepper was brought into North American markets like the Co-op a few years later (concurrent with when we we started enjoying distinctively South African wines like Pinotage).
For those of you who are botanically minded, the peppadew it is a breed of Capsicum Baccatum, and the Variety of Juanita (that's lovely). It carries just over 1,100 units of heat on the Scoville scale (Scoville is a measurement of spicy heat). It still retains a sweetness to give it a piquant flavor that is just so, so versatile.
I spoke with Jane, our "proprietress" of the Cheese Island and Olive Bar, and Lucy, our chief in-house baker, and they- without knowing what each other had told me- remarked that Peppadews have a natural desire to be paired with Goat (chevre) cheeses. The flavors just match up so incredibly well.
Jane recommends stuffing them with softer, herbed chevre cheeses (we have several from Rollingstone, our agriculture neighbors in Parma). Serve them cold, in an attempt to "squeeze out" the last of the picnic season. She also suggests stuffing them with sausage, pulled pork... aren't you getting hungry!?
They are just the right size to fit in the palm of your hand and fill with about a tablespoon of whatever mixture. Peppadews are brought to market already seeded, and slightly pickled to bring down the heat a bit.
Lucy uses them in our bakery as a key ingredient for quiche, also flavored with goat cheese (and sometimes Manchego, a sharper cheese from Spain), to make a slice that could be enjoyed for lunch, brunch.. you name it. This is an item that customers ask for specifically, much like our house-made Green Olive Chicken Salad. This quiche is found ocassionally in our salad case, with other entrees and salads, and sold by the slice.
Lucy and her kitchen companions Victoria and Heather also use Peppadews to churn out very savory scones that are flecked with bright red pieces of these peppers, and complimented with creamy chevre. These are just the best! Keep your eyes peeled for them on the top shelf of the Espresso/ Dessert case, adjacent to the Muffins and Cookies, conveniently at Adultish eye level.
Want more ideas? Okay! "Spear" them through a kebab, garnish a pizza (several years ago, My pal Lucy, the same Lucy, made me a pizza topped with Peppadews that was so delectable; just excellent). Or, fold them into an omelette, "perk up" a salad, and, get this: Celestial Seasonings produces a "Safari Spice " red tea flavored with, guess what..
The Co op Deli is very proud to offer such a unique and versatile product, and at a very reasonable price of $7.99 per pound. Another example of why you come to us for new and exciting delectables you can't find anywhere else in town.
On a related, a somber note, we bid a fond farewell to Mr. Chuck Evans, co-owner and producer, along with his wife Karen, of Rollingstone Chevre. Chuck passed away last month, and we wish Karen and her family the warmest wishes, and thanks for their wonderful cheeses. We miss you, Chuck...
Happy Fall to all of you,
Todd
