Cherry Peppers: What They Are, Heat Level, Uses & How to Enjoy Them
Cherry peppers are small, round peppers that resemble cherries in size and shape. They’re known for their bright red colour, crisp flesh, and a flavour that ranges from sweet and mild to pleasantly spicy, depending on the variety. Cherry peppers are popular fresh, pickled, or stuffed, and they’re used widely in Mediterranean, Italian, and American cooking.
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⭐ Recommended Products — Peppers & Growing Essentials
Peppers are rewarding to grow — from sweet bells to fiery chillies, they thrive with the right start and care.
• Pepper Seed Collection (Sweet & Hot Varieties)
A mixed pack of popular pepper seeds — great for sowing under cover early so you get strong, productive plants later in the season.
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• Pepper Plants (Ready-Grown Seedlings)
Perfect if you prefer planting established plants rather than starting from seed — saves time and boosts success for first-time growers.
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• Propagation Seed Trays & Heat Mat Kit
Gives your pepper seeds consistent warmth and a stable germination environment — a huge help in early sowing (especially in February/March).
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• Grow Lights for Seed Starting
Supplement natural light to keep young pepper seedlings strong and stocky — essential in low light months like late winter and early spring.
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• Pepper Support Stakes & Clips
Keeps taller varieties upright and improves airflow — ideal for heavier crops or when growing in grow bags and containers.
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This guide explains what cherry peppers are, how hot they are, how they taste, common varieties, culinary uses, and how to store them.
What Are Cherry Peppers?
Cherry peppers are compact peppers from the Capsicum annuum species. They typically grow to about 3–5 cm wide and are round or slightly heart-shaped. Despite their small size, they have thick walls and a juicy interior.
They can be:
- Sweet (no heat)
- Mildly spicy
- Moderately spicy
The name “cherry pepper” describes the shape, not the heat level.
What Do Cherry Peppers Taste Like?
Cherry peppers have a:
- Crisp, crunchy texture when fresh
- Juicy flesh
- Slight sweetness
- Clean, peppery flavour
Heat varies by type:
- Sweet varieties taste similar to mini bell peppers
- Hot varieties have a sharp but manageable chilli kick
When pickled, they become tangy and slightly sweet with mellowed heat.
How Hot Are Cherry Peppers?
Heat levels vary widely.
Typical ranges:
- Sweet cherry peppers: 0 SHU (no heat)
- Hot cherry peppers: 2,500–5,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
For comparison:
- Bell pepper: 0 SHU
- Cherry pepper (hot): 2,500–5,000 SHU
- Jalapeño: 2,500–8,000 SHU
Always check the label or variety name if heat matters.
Common Types of Cherry Peppers
Sweet Cherry Peppers
- Mild and crunchy
- No heat
- Often used raw or stuffed
Hot Cherry Peppers
- Noticeable but not overwhelming heat
- Often pickled or stuffed with cheese or meats
Pickled Cherry Peppers
- Usually hot or medium heat
- Preserved in vinegar or brine
- Popular in sandwiches and antipasti
Are Cherry Peppers the Same as Peppadew Peppers?
They’re similar but not the same.
- Cherry peppers: A general category, varying heat levels
- Peppadew peppers: A specific brand/variety, usually sweet with mild heat, often pickled
Both are round, red, and commonly stuffed.
Popular Culinary Uses for Cherry Peppers
Cherry peppers are extremely versatile.
Fresh Uses
- Sliced into salads
- Added to pizzas
- Chopped into salsas
Pickled Uses
- Antipasti platters
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Pizza toppings
Stuffed Cherry Peppers
Very popular fillings include:
- Cream cheese
- Ricotta
- Feta
- Prosciutto
- Breadcrumb and herb mixes
Are Cherry Peppers Healthy?
Yes. Cherry peppers are low in calories and contain useful nutrients.
They provide:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Fibre
- Antioxidants
Hot varieties also contain small amounts of capsaicin, which may support circulation and metabolism.
Can You Eat Cherry Peppers Raw?
Yes — sweet and mild cherry peppers are excellent raw.
Hot varieties can also be eaten raw, but:
- Heat is stronger
- Flavour is sharper
Raw cherry peppers are crisp and refreshing, especially in salads.
Cherry Peppers in Jars
Cherry peppers are commonly sold pickled in jars.
When buying:
- Check whether they are sweet or hot
- Look for simple ingredients
- Be mindful of salt content
Jarred cherry peppers are convenient and long-lasting.
How to Store Cherry Peppers
Fresh
- Store unwashed in the fridge
- Use within 5–7 days
Pickled
- Store unopened jars at room temperature
- Refrigerate after opening
- Use within a few weeks once opened
Can You Grow Cherry Peppers at Home?
Yes. Cherry peppers are popular with home gardeners.
Growing tips:
- Start seeds indoors early
- Provide warmth and plenty of light
- Grow in pots or grow bags
- Harvest when fully coloured
They’re compact plants, making them ideal for containers.
Cherry Peppers vs Bell Peppers
Cherry peppers:
- Small and round
- Sometimes spicy
- Thick-walled
Bell peppers:
- Large and blocky
- Always sweet
- No heat
Cherry peppers are more versatile for stuffing small portions.
Are Cherry Peppers Spicy Enough for Everyone?
Sweet cherry peppers are suitable for everyone. Hot cherry peppers are:
- Milder than many chillies
- Too spicy for some sensitive eaters
Taste a small piece if unsure.
Common Mistakes With Cherry Peppers
- Assuming all cherry peppers are sweet
- Not checking heat level before cooking
- Overstuffing (can split skins)
- Using too much vinegar when pickling
Final Thoughts
Cherry peppers are small, colourful, and incredibly versatile peppers that range from sweet and mild to pleasantly spicy. Whether eaten fresh, pickled, or stuffed, they add crunch, flavour, and visual appeal to many dishes.
If you enjoy peppers with character but without extreme heat, cherry peppers are a great choice — just be sure to check whether you’re buying sweet or hot varieties.