A pimiento or pimento or cherry pepper is a variety of red, heart-shaped chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) that measures 7–10 centimetres (3–4 inches) long and 2–3 centimetres (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 inches) wide.[citation needed]
Like most peppers, immature pimento pods are green and develop other colors, including yellow, green, red, and maroon, as they reach maturity.[2]
The flesh of the pimiento is sweet, succulent, and more aromatic than that of the red bell pepper.[citation needed] Some varieties of the pimiento type are hot, including the Floral Gem and Santa Fe Grande varieties.[citation needed]
Green Spanish olives stuffed with red pimiento peppers
Pimiento peppers are the familiar red stuffing found in prepared Spanish or Greek green olives. Originally, the pimiento was hand-cut into tiny pieces, then hand-stuffed into each olive to balance out the olive's otherwise strong, salty flavor. Despite the popularity of the combination, this production method was very costly and time-intensive.
Today, for ease of production, pimientos are often puréed, then formed into tiny strips with the help of a natural gum (such as sodium alginate or guar gum). This allows olive stuffing to be mechanized, speeding the process and lowering production costs.[4][5]
The fruits are typically used fresh as a salad ingredient, cooked, or pickled.
