New feature on the website: Send us your random, stupid or crazy questions and we’ll answer the interesting ones.
This week’s question comes was asked by TJ from Philadelphia:
Q: What’s the difference between a pimento and roasted red pepper?
A: Wisdom and I had a long discussion about this one and our consensus was that pimentos generally suck and roasted red peppers are generally good. However, some netsearch suggests that this is not the whole truth.
Pimento is actually type of chile pepper, which is different than the bell pepper that is normally used for roasted reds. Both peppers, however, are sweet and mild and therefore ideal for a little roasting and enjoying.
I think the reason pimentos are more often considered to suck more is that pimentos are found commonly in jars, while bell peppers are more easily found fresh. I’m sure a fresh pimento, roasted and drizzled with a little olive oil would be quite tasty, just as a unripe bell pepper stored in a jar for several months wouldn’t be all that great.
So, bottom line: two different peppers with a similar look but a slightly different flavor. When in doubt, go fresh.