Top 3 Peppers
in East Asia

Shishito peppers are small, wrinkled green peppers originating from East Asia, particularly Japan, and are typically mild in flavor, although one in ten can be unexpectedly spicy. The peppers turn red when ripe but are harvested when still green. They can be pan-fried, broiled, stewed, and eaten raw in salads or as a condiment. Rich in vitamins A and C, shishito peppers provide nutritional benefits such as supporting immune function and promoting healthy skin. These peppers are easy to grow in warm climates, making them a popular choice for home gardeners interested in adding versatile vegetables to their crops. The name "shishito" comes from the Japanese words "shishi," meaning lion, and "togarashi," meaning chili pepper, referencing the tip of the pepper looking like a lion head. Expand

Gochu is a term used for Korean chili peppers, a variety of chili pepper commonly used in Korean cuisine and are integral to the distinctive flavors found in many traditional dishes. Korean chili peppers are typically slender and small, varying in length. They can be red or green, depending on their ripeness. These peppers have a range of spiciness, but they are generally on the milder side of the scale, measuring around 1,500 Scovilles. milder The focus in Korean cuisine is often on a balance of flavor rather than extreme heat. Gochu is used in various forms – fresh, dried, ground into a coarse powder, or fermented into pastes. Gochugaru (Korean chili powder) is a key ingredient in making kimchi, the iconic Korean fermented cabbage dish. Gochujang, a fermented chili paste, is another essential Korean condiment made with Korean chili peppers. It’s used in numerous dishes, including stews, marinades, and sauces.Expand

The Cheongyang gochu or Cheongyang chili pepper is a popular and spicy variety of chili pepper commonly used in Korean cuisine. It's named after the Cheongyang region in South Korea, where it is widely cultivated. Cheongyang chili peppers are known for their higher heat level, around 10,000 Scoville heat units. They are significantly spicier than regular Korean chili peppers (gochu), and their spiciness can be compared to that of a serrano pepper. This makes them suitable for those who enjoy a strong, spicy kick in their dishes. These peppers are usually green in color, though they can turn red when fully ripe. They are long, slender, and slightly curved, resembling the common green chili peppers but with a more intense heat. Cheongyang chili peppers are used in various Korean dishes to add spiciness and flavor. They can be used fresh, sliced, or chopped in salads, stews, soups, and marinades. They are also a popular ingredient in kimchi recipes for those who prefer a spicier version of this traditional Korean dish.Expand