SHISHITO SWEET PEPPER: Capsicum annuum Variety

Last summer, our son grew these  small, Japanese peppers 
(2-4 in. 5-10cms), & grilled them when we were visiting.  They look  a little like a hot pepper, but they have a nice smokey flavor, with a crunch, when grilled.  We ate them as a quick appetizer, because they are best eaten right off the grill.

Last Spring our son grew plants from seed for me, but some critter ate them almost as soon as they were planted.  I replanted & keep it under a garden cloche, which has worked well protecting it.  There are 10 or more flowers still on the plant, so maybe I will have enough for a small bite.  Besides grilling, they can be broiled, pan fried in oil, stewed or even eaten raw in a salad.

Here are some interesting characteristics of this sweet pepper:
-When they ripen they are red, but are are usually picked green
-The name is a Japanese abbreviation of the word "lion," because
the tip of the pepper looks like a lion"s head
-About 1 out of 8 peppers is spicy.  We found that to be true &
quite surprising.  The amount of sun that shines on each pepper
determines the heat.

Our yard is a  calming refuge, every day.