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Jimmy Nardello Sweet Italian Peppers

  • jr81568
  • Jun 13
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 14

Frying Peppers Similar to Jimmy Nardello Peppers Animation Source Giphy

A Brief History


Jimmy Nardello Pepper Growing Source: Flicker/Greenhouse17
Jimmy Nardello Pepper Growing Source: Flicker/Greenhouse17

Giuseppe and Angella Nardello grew Jimmy Nardello peppers in their garden in in Italy in the town of Ruti. In 1887 the came to the US and settled in Naugatuck CT. They brought the pepper seeds with them and planted them in the backyard garden. These peppers are long thin peppers that eventually turn red; The peppers are sweet not bitter or very hot.


The Nardello family had eleven kids Their son Jimmy continued the tradition of growing the peppers. He was their fourth child and loved the peppers and gardening. He grew the peppers in terrace gardens and other vegetables providing his family and friends with produce. In 1980 Jimmy donated some seeds to Seed Savers and they named Nardello pepper after him.


The heirloom seeds passed down from the family rely on natural pollination by wind, insects, or birds. The plants will produce seeds to grow more peppers. The peppers grows six to nine inches and can be fried, pickled, or eaten raw in salads.


You can grow the peppers from seed but some place raise plants that you can order and plant in your garden or in pots. The are grown primarily in warmer states.


In 2005 the Slow Food Movement added the Nardello pepper to the Ark of Taste. This is a group of foods that has become endangered. The Ark of Taste helps to insure the pepper will be grown and recognized. It preserves the connection of the pepper to the Nardello family and their Italian heritage.


They peppers are easy to grow and chefs and home cook like to use them in recipes They grow well in warm climates and different type of soil.


Growing Peppers In Garden Source Flicker/SpinningKnits
Growing Peppers In Garden Source Flicker/SpinningKnits


Cooking Nardello Peppers and Ingredient Pairing


One of the most popular ways to eat the peppers is frying. The thin skin makes them easy to fry. Nardello peppers can be roasted on the grill or in the oven, and make an excellent side dish for meat or chicken. The peppers can be chopped and added raw to salads and sandwiches. The peppers can be pickled, stuffed, and dried.


They are often paired with sweet or white onions, olive oil, basil, oregano, thyme, cumin, lemon juice, and even pine nuts. These ingredients complement the peppers depending on how they are cooked.


Where to Buy Jimmy Nardello Pepper Seeds

Pepper Seeds in Plants Source Giphy

If you are an experienced gardener you can purchase the seeds from many companies online. Below is a list of a few companies that sell the seeds. To find them put the keyword in your favorite search engine and search by name.


True Leaf Market- in Salt Lake City, Utah


Territorial Seed Company - Cottage Grove, Oregon


Monticello Shop- Charlottesville ,VA


Hudson Valley Seed Company- Accord, NY


Kitchen Garden Seeds- Bantam ,CT


Where to Order Jimmy Nardello Pepper Plants Online


Pepper Animation: Source: Giphy

Most peppers plants are grown in warm climates of the United States. These plants can be ordered online. Search for the name online of these companies to find more information about location and how to order.


Tyler Farms


Georgia Pepper Company


The Farm on Central, Carlise, Ohio


Armstrong Garden, Center CA


Pepper Joes


Where to Buy Jimmy Nardello Peppers


Whole Food Markets sells Jimmy Nardello Peppers. You may be able to order them online through Instacart at a store near you.

Peppers and More Peppers Source Splash Melia Yakas
Peppers and More Peppers Source Splash Melia Yakas

References:


What Are Jimmy Nardello Peppers? by Editorial Staff, The Cook's Cook, 2025


Jimmy Nardello Chili Peppers, Heat, Flavor and Ingredient Pairings, by Matt Bray, PepperScale, 2025


History of Jimmy Nardello Italian Peppers, by Darcy Larum, Garden Know How, March 22, 2022


Jimmy Nardello Peppers A Delicious Heirloom, by Pepper Geek, Pepper Geek, Updated 7-6-2024




 
 
 

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