Espelette Pepper – The Pride of French Chilli Tradition
A Chilli from the French Basque Heartland
The Espelette Pepper, or Piment d’Espelette, is grown in the Basque region of France, near the Pyrenees. Named after the village of Espelette, this chilli is so treasured in France that it holds PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status — much like Champagne or Roquefort.
Introduced from the Americas in the 16th century, it was embraced by Basque farmers for its flavour and gentle warmth. Over generations, it became the region’s signature spice — replacing black pepper in many local recipes.
Today, Espelette is used by top chefs around the world and is a cornerstone of Basque and southwestern French cuisine.
Flavour Profile & Heat Level
Espelette is not about searing heat. It offers a mild warmth and a rich, slightly smoky flavour with subtle sweetness and fruitiness — making it a beautiful, flavourful alternative to stronger chillies.
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Heat Level: Mild
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Scoville Rating: 1,000 – 4,000 SHU
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Flavour Notes: Peppery, sweet, slightly smoky, elegant and fruity
Culinary Uses of Espelette Pepper
Piment d’Espelette is sold in powdered form, and is used in everything from seasoning meats to finishing sauces. It’s the perfect chilli for refined, delicate cooking.
Typical uses include:
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French cuisine – Sprinkled on grilled meats, eggs, vegetables, or foie gras
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Basque recipes – Key in dishes like piperade, axoa and Basque sausages
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Seafood & chicken – Balances flavour without overpowering the dish
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Salads & vinaigrettes – A pinch adds colour and gentle warmth
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Everyday cooking – An elegant substitute for black pepper
It’s also increasingly popular in modern European fusion dishes for its subtlety and colour.
Why Buy Espelette Pepper from CHILLIESontheWEB?
We stock genuine Espelette Pepper grown in the French Basque region, harvested and dried under traditional conditions, and ground into a rich, fine powder. Carefully handled and packaged to protect its aroma and flavour, this chilli brings a touch of culinary heritage to every dish.
Mild, fragrant and unmistakably French — Espelette isn’t about heat, it’s about finesse.