{"product_id":"basque-pepper","title":"Espelette Pepper Seeds (Basque Pepper)","description":"\u003cp\u003eEspelette pepper, also known as Basque pepper, is a traditional Basque heritage pepper renowned for its mild heat and rich, slightly sweet flavor. It grows on tall, sturdy plants, producing slender red fruits that are as decorative as they are delicious. In Basque culture, the peppers are often strung in long garlands and hung from house facades to dry, creating magnificent red cascades. These thin-walled peppers are ideal for drying, and once ground, they yield a fragrant, warm, and aromatic spice without being overly pungent. They can be enjoyed fresh, pickled, roasted, or ground into a powder, like the famous Espelette powder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to grow Espelette Pepper?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis pepper thrives in zones 4 to 9, in a warm, sheltered location or a greenhouse. It grows well in containers, on patios, or in warm, sunny garden beds with rich, well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and traditional uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNamed after the village of Espelette in the French Basque region, this pepper holds a significant place in the culinary and cultural traditions of southwestern France. Cultivated for centuries, it is used as both a decorative element and an essential culinary ingredient. It benefits from an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation, guaranteeing its authenticity and connection to the terroir. The seeds offered come from the neighboring village of Ustaritz and allow Canadian gardeners to discover this living heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInformation for Canadian zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZones 8-9: Direct sow outdoors or transplant after the soil has thoroughly warmed.\u003cbr\u003eZones 5-7: Start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost; transplant into full sun when temperatures are warm.\u003cbr\u003eZone 4: Grow in containers or a greenhouse for best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2110\" data-start=\"1828\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to grow and harvest Espelette Pepper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors in early spring; sow 0.5 cm (¼ in) deep and keep warm.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly without overdoing it; peppers prefer consistently moist soil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick ripe red fruits when their skin is shiny; string them for drying or use fresh.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stake taller plants and fertilize with compost mid-season to improve yields.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips for harvesting seeds for future supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelecting the best fruits:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose well-ripened, healthy red peppers at the end of the season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed extraction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut the fruits and remove the seeds; rinse then dry completely.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure seeds are completely dry before storing them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organic Producers Association (Certificate #1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644641206640,"sku":"MF-PEPPER-004","price":6.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/Piment_d_Espelette.png?v=1777329532","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-au\/products\/basque-pepper","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}