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Seed | Ajvarski Pepper
  • Seed | Ajvarski Pepper
Seed | Ajvarski Pepper

Seed | Ajvarski Pepper

$3.99 CAD
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Ajvarski pepper seeds are ideal for keen gardeners looking to grow an authentic variety, renowned for its rich, slightly spicy flavour.
A LITTLE HISTORY

The Ajvarski pepper is a sweet red pepper variety native to the Balkans, renowned for its rich, sweet flavor. Here's a brief overview of its history:

  • Geographical origin: The Ajvarski pepper takes its name from the Balkan region, where it is particularly popular, especially in Serbia, North Macedonia and Croatia.

Traditional Use: It is primarily used to prepare a delicious paste or condiment called “ajvar.” There is some controversy over the dish’s exact origin, but most sources settle on Serbian and Macedonian origins as the true source of Ajvar.

The origin of the name is Turkish and derives from the Ottoman word Havyar, meaning “salted eggs”, or caviar, for the smooth, pearly texture of the finely ground pepper flesh.

This condiment is made by roasting peppers until their skins blacken, then peeling and mashing them with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes eggplant. The result is a thick, flavorful sauce, often eaten as a side dish or dip.

  • Cultural Celebration: Ajvar is not only appreciated for its taste, but also holds significant cultural significance in the Balkan countries. It is often prepared during the pepper harvest season in autumn and is an essential component of festive meals and family traditions.
  • International Popularity: Due to its distinctive taste and versatility in cooking, Ajvarski has become popular beyond the Balkans, gaining fans in other parts of the world where it is often used as a sauce for grilled meats, an ingredient in sandwiches, or even as a dip for vegetables.

Any fan of this pepper will love this wonderful classic condiment, native to the Balkan region.

In summary, Ajvarski pepper and ajvar condiment are symbols of Balkan cuisine, appreciated for their rich flavor and significant cultural contribution to the region's gastronomy.
PROPERTIES

Ajvarski peppers, as a sweet red pepper variety, have several health benefits, although they are primarily valued for their culinary qualities. Here are some medicinal properties commonly associated with sweet red peppers that may apply to Ajvarski peppers:

  • Nutrient-rich: Sweet red peppers, including Ajvarski, are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate. These nutrients are important for overall health, including the immune system, vision, bone health, and cell reproduction.
  • Antioxidants: Like other red peppers, Ajvarski contains antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids (like beta-carotene and lutein) and vitamin C. Antioxidants help protect cells from free radical damage, helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Certain compounds found in red peppers, such as capsaicin (found in higher amounts in hot peppers than in sweet peppers), may have anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for health, including reducing inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis.
  • Digestive Support: Regular consumption of sweet red peppers, including Ajvarski, may contribute to digestive health due to their dietary fiber content, which promotes bowel regularity and supports healthy gut flora.
  • Cardiovascular Support: Nutrients in red bell peppers, such as potassium and antioxidants, may contribute to cardiovascular health by helping maintain normal blood pressure and reducing the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

It's important to note that these properties are generally associated with sweet red peppers in general, and specific research on the Ajvarski pepper as a distinct variety is limited. As with any food, it's best to include it as part of a balanced and varied diet to maximize its health benefits.
HOW TO COOK?
  • Traditional Ajvar Recipe
    Ingredients :
    1 kg of Ajvarski peppers (sweet red)
    2 to 3 cloves of garlic (according to your taste)
    100 ml extra virgin olive oil (or more depending on the desired texture)
    1 teaspoon red wine vinegar (optional)
    Salt (according to your taste)
    Instructions :
    Preparation of the peppers:

Preheat your grill to high temperature. You can also use a charcoal grill to grill the peppers.
Wash the Ajvarski peppers thoroughly and dry them with a clean cloth.
Place the whole peppers on the grill or barbecue rack and grill until the skin is blackened and blistered. Turn them over occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once roasted, place the peppers in a large bowl and cover them with plastic wrap or a plastic bag for about 15 minutes. This will allow the skin to peel off easily.
Preparation of ajvar:

After the peppers have cooled enough to handle, remove the blackened skin by gently scraping it with a knife or peeling it by hand. Avoid rinsing the peppers under water, as this can remove some of the roasted flavor.
Open the peppers, remove the seeds and white membranes inside.
Roughly chop the flesh of the roasted peppers and place it in a blender or food processor.

  • Preparation of ajvar paste:

Add the peeled and chopped garlic cloves and salt to the blender containing the peppers.
Blend the ingredients until smooth. If necessary, add olive oil little by little to help achieve the desired texture. The amount of oil can vary depending on your personal preference for the consistency of the ajvar (some prefer a thicker texture, others a smoother and creamier one).
Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt or red wine vinegar if necessary.
Storage and use:

Once prepared, the ajvar can be stored in sterilized glass jars. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top to help keep it fresh.
Store in the refrigerator and use within the next few weeks. Ajvar can also be frozen in portions for later use.

  • Ajvarski Pepper Salad
    Ingredients :
    Grilled and peeled Ajvarski peppers, cut into strips
    Red onion, thinly sliced
    Cherry tomatoes, halved
    Cucumber, diced
    Crumbled feta cheese
    Pitted black olives
    Extra virgin olive oil
    Red wine vinegar
    Salt and ground black pepper
    Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
    Instructions :
    In a large bowl, combine the Ajvarski pepper strips with the red onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and feta cheese.
    Season with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and black pepper to taste.
    Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to garnish, if desired.
    Gently mix all ingredients and serve chilled.
  • Stuffed Ajvarski Peppers
    Ingredients :
    Ajvarski peppers (about 4-6 peppers)
    Ground meat (beef or pork)
    Cooked rice
    Onion, finely chopped
    Garlic, minced
    Tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or tomato sauce)
    Fresh herbs (parsley, basil)
    Salt and pepper
    Grated cheese (optional)
    Instructions :
    Preheat your oven to 180°C.
    Cut off the tops of the Ajvarski peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
    In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until golden. Add the ground beef and cook until golden.
    Add the chopped tomatoes (or tomato sauce), cooked rice, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes.
    Fill the peppers with the meat and rice mixture.
    Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and add a little water to the bottom of the dish.
    Sprinkle with grated cheese on top, if desired.
    Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
  • Ajvarski Pepper Dip
    Ingredients :
    Grilled and peeled Ajvarski peppers
    Greek yogurt or cream cheese
    Lemon juice
    Crushed garlic
    Salt and pepper
    Extra virgin olive oil
    Smoked paprika (optional)
    Instructions :
    Blend the Ajvarski peppers with Greek yogurt or cream cheese until smooth.
    Add lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
    Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra touch of flavor.
    Serve Ajvarski pepper dip with raw vegetables, toasted pita bread, or chips.
    These recipes showcase the versatility and delicious flavor of Ajvarski peppers in a variety of dishes, from refreshing salads and main dishes like stuffed peppers to savory dips for appetizers. Take the opportunity to explore new ways to cook with this delicious Balkan ingredient!
  • Advice :
    Ajvar is delicious as a side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, pitas or simply on fresh bread.
    You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
    If you prefer a milder version, you can mix Ajvarski peppers with other varieties of sweet peppers.
    By following this traditional recipe, you can enjoy the authenticity and distinctive flavor of ajvar prepared with Ajvarski peppers, while exploring the delights of Balkan cuisine at home.
HOW TO GROW?

Did you know that?:

Chili peppers are perennials, but we grow them as annuals because of our climate.

When the chili or pepper growing season ends towards the end of September.

You can repot the plant in the ground in a pot with potting soil.

You'll need to clean the roots with water and add fresh potting soil. Then, place your pot inside, and your chili or pepper will produce more fruit throughout the winter season for as long as you want to grow it.

Bon appetit!

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Capsicum annuum
  • Sow from February to March for harvest from July to October.
  • Sowing: sow in pots at the beginning of February (to grow in an outdoor greenhouse in mid-May) or sow in early March in an indoor pot to grow outdoors in early June. Does not like the cold.
  • Seeds: 2 seeds per pot, as you will have to transplant each seed into separate pots.
  • Sowing depth: 0.5 -1 cm
  • Germination time: 6-14 days
  • Soil: Slightly acidic, humus-rich, loose, fresh and well-drained
  • Location: Requires warm growing and plenty of sun
  • Spacing between plants: 30-40cm
  • Height at maturity: 50-60cm
  • Maturity: 50-80 days | Very prolific
  • Seeds per envelope: +/- 12
    Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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