Glossary - Ingredients

Shishito Peppers

GlossaryShishitoPeppers

A type of chili pepper that is not spicy, characterized by a unique bitterness and crisp flavor

What are shishito peppers?

Shishito peppers (ししとうがらし in Japanese) are a type of chili pepper that looks similar to green chili peppers, but in addition to having no spiciness, they possess a unique aroma and a slight bitterness. Shishito can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilling, stir-frying, stewing, and deep-frying. The flesh of the pepper is thin and soft, so it easily absorbs flavors. Shishito can also be eaten as-is without cutting, making them easy to cook with.

Nutrition facts

Shishito peppers are rich in dietary fiber, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and folic acid. They are especially rich in vitamin C. As they are rich in antioxidants, shishito peppers help prevent cell aging and maintain the health of the skin, blood vessels, and eyes. Some shishito peppers contain capsaicin, the spicy component of chili peppers. Capsaicin promotes the excretion of waste products and has aids in recovery from fatigue.
Shishito peppers are sensitive to heat and rich in water-soluble vitamin C, so it is best to cook them only for a short time. Shishito peppers can also be eaten raw. Eating them with foods that contain lipids can increase the absorption of beta-carotene. Many shishito peppers have almost no spiciness, but sometimes ones that have been put under stress during their growth process have a tendency to be. It is said that shishito peppers with uneven shapes or few seeds tend to be spicier.

Storage to prevent food loss

Shishito peppers can be wrapped in kitchen paper and placed in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you cut off the stems, place them in a plastic bag and in the freezer, they can be stored for up to a month.

Trivia

When grilling or deep-frying, the air inside the peppers may expand and burst. To prevent them from bursting, it is a good idea to poke a few holes in them with a toothpick before cooking.

Related Recipes