French Quarter Market; Hot Pepper or Piman’ (Creole)

Hot Pepper or Piman’ (Creole)

Hot Caribbean peppers are inextricably tied to the culture and cuisine of St. Martin people.

In the 17th century, inhabitants of the Caribbean called the hot pepper “Axi” or “Carive” (De Rochefort, 1658).

Easily home-grown in gardens and backyards, the chili pepper bush is small and very leafy. Chilies are typically small and long like a clove, and red once ripe, although they can be picked at different stages during growth for different heats. There are several different types of local chilies that differ in size and shape.

The long and small red variety called “Piment Oiseau” is the hottest.

“Piment Végétarien” also called seasoning pepper, looks more like a mini bell pepper and is typically sold in small clear bags in an assortment of colors; green, yellow-orange and red. This pepper is not spicy, but enhances the flavor of any dish, sauce or salad!