Description

Description

Jimmy Nardello - A Taste of Italy in Your Garden

The Jimmy Nardello pepper is a treasure for home gardeners, its ease of cultivation, prolific yields, and sweet flavor make it a rewarding and delicious addition to any garden. This sweet pepper has a story to tell, from its humble beginnings in a small Italian town to its revival and recognition as a prized heirloom variety. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, the Jimmy Nardello pepper will surely become a favorite.

Details

Jimmy Nardello peppers thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5-12. Instead of growing upright, the plants develop a bushy habit, reaching a height and width of approximately 20-24 inches. The peppers are thin-walled, long, and slender, typically 6 to 12 inches long and about an inch in diameter, with slightly wrinkled skin. They start out green and ripen to a beautiful, glossy red.

This mid-season variety matures approximately 80 to 90 days after transplanting. Adaptable to various climates, disease-resistant, and easy to cultivate, the Jimmy Nardello is an excellent choice. It is a prolific producer, yielding many peppers throughout the growing season. It may produce peppers in two to three waves before the first frost in warmer climates.

History

The history of this fascinating pepper adds to its appeal for home gardeners. It is originally from Ruoti in the remote, mountainous Basilicata region of Southern Italy. In 1887, Giuseppe and Angella Nardello brought seeds of some of their favorite vegetables, like this pepper, when they immigrated to the United States, settling in Naugatuck, Connecticut. Like many immigrants who brought seeds, the Nardellos carried them to ensure they could enjoy familiar flavors, a connection to their homeland, and a source of comfort in an unfamiliar place.

The Nardello family had eleven children, and family stories say that Jimmy, the fourth child, inherited his mother’s love of gardening, building terrace gardens to grow his mother’s favorite peppers. Jimmy's favorite was a sweet Italian frying pepper, which was eventually named in his honor. Before he died in 1983, Jimmy donated seeds to Seed Savers Exchange, ensuring the preservation of this unique pepper for future generations. His sharing helped save the Jimmy Nardello pepper from near extinction, and its revival is the result of the efforts of home gardeners and organizations like Seed Savers Exchange.

In 2005, the Jimmy Nardello pepper was included in Slow Food USA's "Ark of Taste," a catalog of delicious and distinctive foods facing extinction. This recognition confirmed its status as a prized heirloom and signified its exceptional qualities.

Uses

The Jimmy Nardello pepper's sweet, candy-like flavor makes it remarkably versatile in the kitchen. Eaten fresh, it is mild, sweet, and fruity, with little to no heat.

Fresh

Don't underestimate the simple pleasure of eating these peppers fresh! Their sweet and fruity flavor makes them a delicious addition to salads or a healthy snack. Try them sliced in a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes, or add them to a colorful stir-fry for a touch of sweetness.

Roasting and Frying

Roasting brings out the pepper's natural sweetness. Toss the peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until softened and lightly browned. Enjoy this simple and satisfying snack or side dish as is, or sprinkle with flaky sea salt and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.

These peppers are often called "Italian frying peppers" for a reason! Frying them in olive oil with a bit of salt is a delicious way to appreciate their full flavor. For an extra treat, add some mozzarella or provolone cheese for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Stuffed

The pepper's long, slender shape makes it perfect for stuffing. Try a classic Italian sausage and rice mixture, or explore other options like:

Mediterranean: Ground lamb, feta cheese, and chopped olives
Vegetarian: Quinoa, black beans, corn, and bell peppers
Spicy: Chorizo, pepper jack cheese, and jalapeños

Preserving

Pickled Jimmy Nardello peppers add a sweet and tangy kick to sandwiches, salads, and antipasto platters. To pickle them, simply pack the peppers into jars with your favorite pickling brine (vinegar, water, sugar, and spices like garlic and dill).

Traditionally, these peppers were dried by stringing them through the stem with a needle and hanging them to dry. This method, often used in the old country where resources were limited, allowed for air circulation and prevented mold. Dried peppers can be used in sauces, stews, or ground into flavorful paprika. They retain some sweetness when dried but also develop savory and smoky notes.

Heirloom Versatility

Jimmy Nardello peppers can also be used in a variety of dishes. For a sweet and flavorful touch, add them to pizza, pasta sauces, and meat dishes. For a unique appetizer, try serving fried Jimmy Nardello peppers on toast with burrata, whipped ricotta, and a drizzle of honey.