The Espelette peppers, also known as Piment d'Espelette, are chili peppers cultivated in the French commune of Espelette, Pyrénées-Atlantiques. It is mildly hot, measuring up to 4,000 Scoville Heat Units.
Scoville Heat Units: up to 4,000 SHU
Capsicum Annuum
When it comes to Basque cuisine, the Espelette pepper reigns supreme. The Basque country straddles the borders between France and Spain, both of which influence the area's cooking techniques. The fact that it is flanked by the abundant sea on one side and fertile land on the other, you'll find a diversity of dishes, from seafood and meats to beans, cheeses, ciders and wines.
The Basque people were quick to adopt culinary influences, and came to adopt peppers as part of their cuisine, among other ingredients. A favorite among them is the Espelette pepper.
Because this pepper is so prevalent to the Basque region cuisine and economy, it was confirmed as an AOC product in 2000 and an APO product in August 2002. AOC stands for Appellation d’origine contrôlée, or “controlled designation of origin”.
This certification exists to protect the branding and quality of regional foods, such as wines and cheese. Champagne is a famous example. Much like "Hatch Chile Peppers" can only be called Hatch Peppers if they are grown in the Hatch region of New Mexico, Espelette peppers must be grown in the French Espelette region. Otherwise, they would be called by another name.
About the Espelette Peppers
The red peppers originated in Central and South America, but was adopted by the Basque people in the 16th century. The peppers grow from green and mature to a vibrant red color. The pods grow to about 6 inches long, often curve, and end in a defined point.
They are popular dried as well and often sold in powder form.
The peppers are cultivated in the French commune of Espelette, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, hence the name. The town of Espelette lies in the Labourd province interior and is best known for these peppers. A tour of the village would find quaint homes drying peppers from balconies, and local shops selling the peppers and other foods flavored with them.
In France it is known as "piment d espelette".
Espelette Pepper Festival
This pepper is so important to the region that they hold a yearly Espelette Pepper Festival (Ezpeleta Pepper Festival) in October to celebrate them. There you can taste peppers, purchase them, and also enjoy music, pelota games, parades, and Basque dancing.
The many restaurants are there to serve and delight you.
How Hot are the Espelette Peppers?
The Espelette reaches a maximum of 4,000 Scoville Heat Units on the Scoville Scale, so it considered more sweet than hot. Compare that to the popular jalapeno pepper which ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 SHU, and the hottest of them would be roughly equal to an average jalapeno pepper in heat.
As a comparison, the popular serrano pepper ranges from 10,000 SHU to 23,000 SHU.
Espelette Peppers Flavor Profile
The flavor is somewhat fruity and fresh, with mild hints of heat. You may notice some level of spiciness, as the peppers can range in heat, though nothing that overpowers, as well as a slight smokiness.
When dried and ground into a powder, you'll notice a stronger smoky sweetness element, akin to smoked paprika.
Growers follow specific specifications set forth by the trade union of Espelette peppers and treat the peppers much as wine growers treat grapes, with an eye toward growing conditions, weather patterns, soil and geology, all of which can affect the wonderful pepper flavor and aroma.
Cooking with the Espelette Peppers
French or Basque cuisine is ideal for this pepper, though you can incorporate it into numerous dishes. There is a piquant sauce called "basquaise" that incorporates Espelette powder along with tomatoes and fresh peppers that can be used to cook anything from lamb to seafood to vegetarian meals.
There is also a dish called "piperade", which is a famous Basque dish made with onion, peppers, tomatoes and Espelette peppers. It is much like a relish or a sauce.
In the region, they can be purchased as fresh or dried peppers, as ground pepper, or puréed or pickled.
Where Can I Buy Espelette Peppers?
Obtaining these peppers might provide difficult if you are not near the French region. However, you can order the powder version online. Here is an affiliate link from Amazon - Buy Espelette Power from Amazon, imported from France.
There are non-AOC Espelette peppers grown and marketed in California, so you can begin your search there.
What is Good Substitute for Espelette Peppers?
The best substitute is either sweet paprika or smoked paprika. Both of these chili powders will give you a similar flavor to the Espelette.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below.
NOTE: This page was updated on 5/11/20 to include new information and photos. It was originally published on 7/6/17.
J. R. Mauldin says
I wish to buy seeds how do I do that?
Mike Hultquist says
You can start with my resources section for Where to Buy Chili Seeds: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/resources/chili-seeds/
Harry says
I’ve not found espelette in London. It sounds as if ‘pul biber’ (Aleppo pepper) would be a good substitute. (I’m wanting to make marmitako, a Basque tuna and potato stew, and think the peppers should be evidently there - or I’d use sweet smoked paprika.
Jette Christensen says
I am in Denmark and recently harvested P. d’Espelette for the first time. Temperatures are pretty low at night now so I find it safer to dry them in my dehydrator. I deseeded them first , so maybe they will not have much heat when ground, that remains to be seen. Thank you for a great website!
Cindy says
My world traveling cousin brought me some Esplette pepper powders after visiting the Basque region, and I fell in love. I ordered a few plants last year, and the Esplette quickly became a favorite…..even though I normally go for super-hots!
I saved seeds and have 20 plants growing in my little garden this year, can’t wait to cook with these tasty beauties!
Thanks for the great info!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Awesome, Cindy! They are great peppers, I totally agree.
Muddy says
I went to a local garden center (Grigny, Essonne) last Saturday and I was able to find both Piment d'Espelette (AKA Gorria) and Piment d'Impala (AKA Cayenne). I'm waiting a while to put them outside; good thing, too, as we had snow yesterday and temperatures below freezing the past couple of mornings. Looking forward to some good flavor!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Wonderful! Good luck with them!
jennifer buksa says
I can’t find smoked paprika in my local grocery stores. I live in Arroyo Grande, CA. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.
JennIfer Buksa
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Sorry to hear, Jennifer. You can usually substitute other paprika powders for smoked. You won't get the smoky flavor, but you will get the overall flavor. You can also try ordering online. See my page on Paprika Substitutes for further info: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/cooking-with-chili-peppers/paprika-substitute/.
Frederic says
Sorry, mike, i can’t let you say you can replace our beloved Piment d’Espelette with Paprika. It’s like replacing ribs with chicken wings. I always have a couple of them in my garden that I dry and ground at the end of summer. To be clear : in the south west of France, we use this instead of corn pepper. I use it everywhere, literally.
Cheers from the old world.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
I hear you, Frederic. There is nothing really like the Espelette. I love that you grow them! Jealous.
Jeremie says
Thank you Mike, great informations!
French don’t know and use much kinds of peppers; in supermarkets you find mainly some mild varieties, sometimes habanero peppers or cayenne and ground piment d’Espelette, which is very popular and appreciated for its rich flavor and mild spiciness. Nowadays, you can find piment d’Espelette very easily outside le Pays Basque (The Basque country).
The real name of the variety is Gorria (capsicum annuum), and it can be found in other French regions but Gorria must be grown in the French Espelette region to have the AOC "controlled designation of origin" piment d’Espelette.
Le poulet basquaise (Chicken basquaise) is a very well-known dish in France and much appreciated. However, I have never heard of a dish in basquaise sauce made with meat other than chicken.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks for the info, Jeremie! Much appreciated.
Andrea CleallMom says
This is my first day on your site and I am THRILLED!!! I had no idea I was going to be educated as well as maybe get some cooking tips. A
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Andrea! Glad you found me! I appreciate it.