{"product_id":"basque-pepper","title":"Basque Pepper","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1013\" data-start=\"406\"\u003ePiment d’Espelette, also known as a Basque Pepper, is a traditional Basque heirloom pepper celebrated for its mild heat and rich, sweet flavour. Growing on tall, sturdy plants, the slender red fruits are as ornamental as they are delicious. In Basque culture, peppers are strung together in long, beautiful braids and hung along houses to dry, forming iconic cascades of deep red. These thin-walled peppers are perfect for drying, and once ground, offer a fragrant spice that is both warm and aromatic without overpowering heat. Enjoy them fresh, pickled, roasted, or ground into the famous Espelette powder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1241\" data-start=\"1015\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1057\" data-start=\"1015\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Piment d’Espelette?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1060\" data-start=\"1057\"\u003eThis pepper grows best in Zones 4–9 in a hot, sheltered spot or greenhouse. Well-suited to container growing, patios, or warm garden beds with full sun and rich, well-draining soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1826\" data-start=\"1243\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1274\" data-start=\"1243\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1277\" data-start=\"1274\"\u003eNamed for the town of Espelette in the French Basque region, Piment d’Espelette holds a treasured place in the culinary and cultural traditions of southwestern France. The peppers have been cultivated there for centuries, used both decoratively and as a culinary staple. Officially recognized with AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) status, the original variety is subject to strict regional regulations. Our seeds come from Ustaritz, a neighbouring village to Espelette, and offer Canadian growers a chance to connect with this vibrant heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2110\" data-start=\"1828\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1857\" data-start=\"1828\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1860\" data-start=\"1857\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1874\" data-start=\"1860\"\u003eZones 8–9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow outdoors or transplant starts after soil has thoroughly warmed.\u003cbr data-end=\"1952\" data-start=\"1949\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1966\" data-start=\"1952\"\u003eZones 5–7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; transplant to full sun once warm.\u003cbr data-end=\"2047\" data-start=\"2044\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2059\" data-start=\"2047\"\u003eZones 4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grow in containers or greenhouse for best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2110\" data-start=\"1828\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2516\" data-start=\"2112\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2158\" data-start=\"2112\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Piment d’Espelette\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2516\" data-start=\"2112\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2174\" data-start=\"2161\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors in early spring; sow 0.5cm (¼in) deep and keep warm.\u003cbr data-end=\"2250\" data-start=\"2247\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2263\" data-start=\"2250\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly but do not overwater; peppers prefer evenly moist soil.\u003cbr data-end=\"2338\" data-start=\"2335\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2353\" data-start=\"2338\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick red ripe fruit when skin is glossy; string to dry or use fresh.\u003cbr data-end=\"2425\" data-start=\"2422\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2441\" data-start=\"2425\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stake taller plants and fertilize with compost mid-season for best yields.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2861\" data-start=\"2518\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2556\" data-start=\"2518\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2861\" data-start=\"2518\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2581\" data-start=\"2559\"\u003eSelect Best Fruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose ripe, healthy red peppers at season’s end.\u003cbr data-end=\"2634\" data-start=\"2631\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2652\" data-start=\"2634\"\u003eExtract Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut open and scrape out seeds; rinse and dry thoroughly.\u003cbr data-end=\"2712\" data-start=\"2709\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2730\" data-start=\"2712\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure seeds are fully dry; store in airtight container in a cool, dark place.\u003cbr data-end=\"2812\" data-start=\"2809\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2826\" data-start=\"2812\"\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds remain viable for 3–5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2944\" data-start=\"2863\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2887\" data-start=\"2863\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2890\" data-start=\"2887\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2942\" data-start=\"2890\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52198409568553,"sku":"MF-PEPPER-004","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/6225\/6681\/files\/Piment_d_Espelette.jpg?v=1764456980","url":"https:\/\/konnichiwa.ca\/products\/basque-pepper","provider":"こんにちはマート | KON NICHIWA MART","version":"1.0","type":"link"}