Jimmy Nardello’s
What is Jimmy Nardello’s?
Jimmy Nardello’s is a traditional Italian sweet pepper that has become a cult favourite worldwide. With its remarkable flavour, thin flesh and beautiful shape, it is an indispensable kitchen variety.
Background and name
The variety was taken to the USA by the Italian Nardello family in the 1880s and has been preserved as a heritage variety. It became popular through the Seed Savers Exchange and is one of the most celebrated peppers in the Slow Food movement.
Appearance and growth habit
The plant grows 70–90 cm tall, with long, slender, red fruits of 15–20 cm. The flesh is thin, and the fruits look very beautiful hanging in clusters.
Flavour and uses of Jimmy Nardello’s
The flavour is sweet, rich and intense, especially when fried. The fruits take on a caramelised note when cooked and are loved by chefs the world over.
Serving ideas
Fry in olive oil, use in pasta, or eat as a snack straight from the grill. An unbeatable variety for classic Italian cooking.
How to grow Jimmy Nardello’s
Jimmy Nardello’s is a Capsicum annuum and is sown between February and April. It is easy to grow and productive, and suits both pots and open ground. It does best in a warm, sunny spot.
Price is for 6 sweet pepper seeds
Sow in moist seed compost and keep warm, at about 25–30°C for best germination. The compost should be moist but not wet. A propagator helps to keep the air humid. Once the seedlings have grown a little and developed their second pair of leaves, you can lower the temperature to about 20°C and move them out of the propagator. They do well on a sunny windowsill, or in a greenhouse and outdoors in summer. For best results, soak the seeds in Growhelper for 12–24 hours before sowing.
