
Is the cubanelle pepper sweet or hot?
The Cubanelle Pepper is considered a sweet pepper, though it can have a touch of heat. It is a light green pepper used in general cooking. Learn more about the pepper here, including heat levels, flavor, cooking tips and Cubanelle pepper substitutes. The Cubanelle is considered a sweet pepper, although its heat can range from mild to very moderate.
What are cubanelles and how are they used?
These sandwiches traditionally feature the Italian frying pepper. Cubanelles are also terrific in salads and soups, as well as on pizza. In fact, they make a great substitute for bell or poblano peppers, so anywhere you’d consider using them, you should give thought to the cubanelle.
Is there a substitute for Cubanelle peppers?
Yes, you are stepping down to zero heat with this alternative, but the cubanelle is not that far behind. And, of course, the bell pepper is available wherever produce is sold. Both are sweet peppers, so the flavors are in the same ballpark. It’s close enough, at least, to substitute when the Anaheim is not an option.
What is the difference between poblano and cubanelle peppers?
The flesh of the Cubanelle is thinner than a bell pepper or poblano and is more similar to an Anaheim. Raw Cubanelle pepper has a pleasing snap and tender texture, due to its lower water content. Cubanelle pepper are great in any recipe that calls for a mild, slightly sweet variety such as bell, classic sweet peppers, or Anaheim.

What's another name for Cubanelle pepper?
The Cubanelle, also known as "Cuban pepper" and "Italian frying pepper", is a variety of sweet pepper of the species Capsicum annuum.
Are Cubanelle peppers hot?
Cubanelle peppers can be slightly hot, with scoville units between 500 and 1,000 (Bray, M.), which is very mild considering that jalapeno peppers average 3,000 scoville unites and habanero peppers are over 200,000.
What peppers are similar to Cubanelle?
What Are Substitutes for Cubanelle Pepper?Anaheim Peppers.Banana Peppers.Bell Peppers.
What does a Cubanelle taste like?
What Do Cubanelle Peppers Taste Like? Cubanelle peppers have a mellow honey-mixed-with-pepper flavor with a low heat. They're not spicy, but they're not quiet as mild as regular sweet peppers. The flesh of the Cubanelle is thinner than a bell pepper or poblano and is more similar to an Anaheim.
Which is hotter cubanelle or poblano?
There are few milder chilies out there. This chili makes the poblano pepper (a very popular mild chili) seem spicy. With a range of 100 to 1,000 Scoville heat units, the cubanelle pepper is at least three times milder than a jalapeño pepper, and it can range all the way to 80 times milder.
Are Cubanelle peppers like poblano?
Cubanelle Peppers They are milder and sweeter than poblanos. However, their walls are not as thick as Anaheim and poblano peppers, so take extra care when you use them for stuffing. They are not recommended for sliced or diced pepper recipes.
Where can I find Cubanelle peppers?
Peppers Cubanelle - 0.25 Lb - Safeway.
What are the mildest hot peppers?
The mildest peppers such as sweet bell peppers and cherry peppers are at the bottom of the Scoville scale. In the middle are peppers like Serrano, yellow hot wax peppers, and red cayenne peppers. At the hottest end of the heat scale are the Habanero and the Scotch Bonnet.
Are Cubanelle peppers similar to bell peppers?
Cubanelle peppers are light green to yellow colored with a sweet and mild flavor. They like an elongated bell pepper. Cubanelle peppers are similar to banana peppers and make an acceptable substitute for recipes calling for Anaheim peppers.
Are Cubanelle peppers good for you?
The website reports that Cubanelle peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as vitamin B6. Nutritionix says that Cubanelle peppers have no fat; plus, one pepper contains only 20 calories. And with 4 grams of carbohydrates, these peppers are perfect as a light and healthy snack.
Is Cubanelle Peppers same as an Anaheim?
The Anaheim is a jump up in heat (500 to 2,500 Scoville heat units) compared to the cubanelle. But really any chili is an upgrade to the cubanelle's extremely mild 100 to 1,000 SHU. They both are still mild chilies, though, so we are talking a just a little additional simmer, not an intense heatwave.
Are Anaheim and poblano peppers the same?
These are two different peppers. The Poblano is a mild chili pepper but more spicy than Anaheim. Poblano is unique in its elongated, slightly twisted heart shape with a pointed tip and dark green color. Anaheim is longer, skinnier and has a light green color.
Cubanelle Pepper Facts
What is a cubanelle pepper? A variety of sweet pepper, the cubanelle is similar in a lot of ways to the ubiquitous bell pepper. Unlike its cousin, however, it has a long, tapered shape that usually reaches 5 to 7 inches (13-18 cm.) in length. It tends to twist and bend as it grows, giving it a unique, rustic appearance.
How to Grow a Cubanelle Pepper Plant
Cubanelle pepper care is very straightforward. In fact, growing cubanelles is a lot like growing bell peppers. The seeds should only be sown in the ground in climates with very long growing seasons.
What are cubanelle peppers?
The cubanelle may be known as a sweet pepper, but there’s still a slight mild simmer of heat to this chili (100 to 1,000 Scoville heat units.) It’s a favorite throughout Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, and a must for preparing authentic cuisine from those regions.
How hot is the cubanelle pepper?
There are few milder chilies out there. This chili makes the poblano pepper (a very popular mild chili) seem spicy. With a range of 100 to 1,000 Scoville heat units, the cubanelle pepper is at least three times milder than a jalapeño pepper, and it can range all the way to 80 times milder.
What does a cubanelle pepper taste like?
Think of the cubanelle like a sweeter, more flavorful bell pepper, and you’ll get why these peppers are so popular. Though, where the bell and the poblano pepper, with their thick walls, are great for stuffing, the cubanelle, and its thin walls, while stuffing is a possibility, are really ideal for the frying pan.
What does it look like?
Its shape is very much like the Anaheim or banana pepper: long (up to six inches) and curved with a width of about two inches. The cubanelle starts a yellowish-green and matures into a rich red color. In fact, both the Anaheim and the banana pepper are good potential substitutes for a cubanelle (just not as sweet).
Are cubanelle and banana peppers the same thing?
There’s a lot of confusion on this – these two chilies may look alike, but they are not the same thing. The mistake comes from the similarities in their features and the fact that both are popular on sandwiches, subs, salads, and pizzas. And, again, they are actually decent substitutes for each other. Just don’t expect the same level of sweetness.
But cubanelle is the same thing as an Italian frying pepper?
It is! In fact, even though the cubanelle means “little Cuba”, the pepper has Italian roots. It has become extremely popular, though, in Cuba, along with Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic over time. In terms of exporting, the Dominican Republic is the current major producer.
What are great ways to use cubanelle peppers?
First, these chilies are a must for authentic Cuban cuisine, so if you are experimenting with Cuban cooking, make sure you come prepared with cubanelle.
Common Uses for Cubanelle Peppers
Common uses for Cubanelles include salads, casseroles, or a yellow mole sauce. They are great on subs or pizza as well, and they can be stuffed with your favorite delicious filling.
How Hot is the Cubanelle Pepper?
The Cubanelle pepper is quite mild, measuring in at 0 – 1,000 Scoville Heat Units, which is quite a bit milder than a typical jalapeno pepper. Jalapeno peppers average about 5,000 SHU, so the hottest Cubanelle pepper is still 5 times milder than an average jalapeno pepper.
The Taste of Cubanelle Peppers and Cooking The Cubanelle
Cubanelle peppers are slightly sweet and crunchier than a typical bell pepper, and are quite vibrant. Consider them for pan frying and dashing them with a bit of salt for a quick snack. They do have thinner walls, which makes them good for stuffing and either grilling or baking, as the thinner walls do not require a long cook time.
What Are Substitutes for Cubanelle Pepper?
Cubanelles are mild and slightly sweet with thin walls, and can be used in general cooking. The following peppers make for a good substitution for Cubanelle peppers:
Are Cubanelle Peppers and Banana Peppers the Same Pepper?
No, the Cubanelle pepper is a completely different pepper from the banana pepper. However, they do look quite similar and have similar flavor and heat, so you can usually substitute them for each other in many different recipes. Cubanelles are sweeter by comparison, however.
Try Some of These Other Great Peppers
This page was updated on 7/17/19 to include new photos and information. It was originally published on 9/20/13.
What Are Cubanelle Peppers?
Cubanelle peppers are a type of sweet pepper that are used in recipes worldwide. They are especially popular in Cuban, Dominican, Haitian, Puerto Rican, and Italian cuisine, commonly incorporated into many of these countries’ dishes.
What Are Other Names for Cubanelle Peppers?
Cubanelle peppers are also referred to as “Cuban peppers” because they are so popular in Cuba. They are also commonly called “Italian frying peppers” since they taste amazing when you throw them in a pan and fry them with a little bit of oil. This is because they have a low water content, which gets them nice and crispy when fried!
What Do Cubanelle Peppers Look Like?
Typically, Cubanelle are between 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 cm) long and around 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide. They are light green or a yellowish-green color when they are unripe but change to a bright red or red-orange color when they are fully developed. Their skin is nice and glossy, giving them a delicious-looking sheen.
What Do Cubanelle Peppers Taste Like?
Cubanelle peppers have a mildly sweet flavor with low heat. They have a traditional pepper taste mixed with a subtle hint of honey, giving them their pleasant sweetness. They also have a delightful crunchy texture when you eat them raw, which feels snappy yet tender in your mouth.
How Should You Store Cubanelle Peppers?
Cubanelle peppers can remain fresh for several weeks if you leave them in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Keep them whole, instead of chopped, as this will help preserve their freshness.
Can You Can Cubanelle Peppers to Preserve Them?
Yes! You can preserve Cubanelle peppers through canning, but before you start the canning process, you’ll need to decide whether you want your peppers to be plain or pickled.
How Tall Do Cubanelle Pepper Plants Get?
Typically, Cubanelle pepper plants grow to about 17 to 18 inches (43.2 to 45.7 cm) tall. They need a decent amount of room to grow, so if you plan to plant some in your home garden, make sure they are at least 18 to 24 inches (45.7 to 61.0 cm) apart.
What are Cubanelle peppers?
Cubanelle peppers are light green to yellow colored with a sweet and mild flavor. They like an elongated bell pepper. Cubanelle peppers are similar to banana peppers and make an acceptable substitute for recipes calling for Anaheim peppers.
Where To Buy Cubanelle Peppers
These peppers can be hard to find. There are many online sources for seeds if you'd like to grow your own. Otherwise, look for them in your local farmer's market.
Substitute For Cubanelle Peppers
If you don't have cubanelle peppers you can substitute equal amounts of one of these alternatives:
A Brief Introduction to Cubanelle Pepper
Compared to jalapeno and habanero, this yellow-green to red pepper fruit is pretty mild and not too spicy with its 500 to 1,000 Scoville units.
How to Grow Cubanelle Pepper Plant in Your Garden
You can expect to gain a quick result when growing this pepper in your garden since it typically matures between 62 and 65 days.
Cubanelle Pepper Recipes You Should Try at Home
After harvesting your cubanelle plant, you should try some of the best recipes for this sweet pepper. For a vegetarian, the following hearty cuisine is probably of interest.
Cubanelle Pepper Nutrition You May Expect
Consuming any meal with this pepper can give you some health benefits as the fruit comes with some of the most essential nutrients for your body.
The Best Cubanelle Pepper Alternatives
While these peppers offer a delicious taste and a lot of health benefits, finding them in stores can be pretty difficult if you are living outside of areas with Caribbean or Italian influence.
Your best option: Anaheim pepper
The Anaheim is a jump up in heat (500 to 2,500 Scoville heat units) compared to the cubanelle. But really any chili is an upgrade to the cubanelle’s extremely mild 100 to 1,000 SHU. They both are still mild chilies, though, so we are talking a just a little additional simmer, not an intense heat wave.
The everywhere alternative: Bell pepper
Yes, you are stepping down to zero heat with this alternative, but the cubanelle is not that far behind. And, of course, the bell pepper is available wherever produce is sold. Both are sweet peppers, so the flavors are in the same ballpark. It’s close enough, at least, to substitute when the Anaheim is not an option.
An option with tang: Banana pepper
Yes, the flavor is different. The banana pepper has a sweet tang to it, so it’s not always a good substitution. But they do have a similar heat profile – the banana pepper ranging from 0 to 500 SHU – and they are also often used as a sandwich and pizza topping.
