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Seed | California Wonder Pepper
  • Seed | California Wonder Pepper
Seed | California Wonder Pepper

Seed | California Wonder Pepper

$3.99 CAD
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The California Wonder pepper is a classic variety producing large, square, thick-walled fruits. Known for its ripening transition from green to bright red, it offers a mild, sweet flavor that's ideal for salads, stuffing, or baking.
A LITTLE HISTORY

The California Wonder pepper has a fascinating history dating back thousands of years to Central and South America, where it was domesticated as early as 3,000 BC, if not earlier. Here's a detailed summary of its journey through history:

  • Origins and Introduction to Europe
    Origins: The pepper, part of the Capsicum genus, is native to Central and South America, where it was first cultivated around 5,000 years ago. It was already used as a food by pre-Columbian civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans.
  • Introduction to Europe: Christopher Columbus is credited with introducing the pepper to Europe after his first voyage in 1492. From there, it quickly spread to Africa and Asia through trade and voyages of exploration.

 

  • Development of the California Wonder Pepper
    Introduction of the California Wonder: The California Wonder pepper as we know it today was developed later, towards the end of the 19th century. In 1824, Thomas Jefferson received pepper seeds from Mexico, indicating the beginning of its introduction into the United States.
  • Marketing: In 1928, the California Wonder pepper was commercially released by California grower C.C. Morse. It was the first thick-walled, smooth, blocky pepper, quickly making it a favorite among growers and consumers.
  • Features and Popularity
    Adaptability: California Wonder is prized for its ability to adapt to different soil types and be successfully grown in containers, making it an ideal choice for beginner and hobby gardeners.
  • Resistance: It is also known for its resistance to several diseases, including tobacco mosaic virus, which contributes to its hardiness and reliability in cultivation.
  • Heritage and Influence
    Cultivar Parent: The California Wonder has served as the parent to several other exceptional pepper cultivars, contributing to the diversity and genetic improvement of sweet peppers in modern agriculture.
  • Current Status: To this day, the California Wonder pepper remains a standard among the most popular and productive sweet peppers, prized by both home and professional gardeners for its mild flavor and culinary versatility.

In conclusion, the California Wonder pepper perfectly illustrates the evolution and adaptation of cultivated plants throughout history, from its beginnings in Central America to its global spread and successful commercialization in the United States. Its legacy continues to thrive thanks to its enduring quality and popularity in the agricultural and culinary worlds.
PROPERTIES

Bell peppers, including the California Wonder pepper, offer several health benefits due to their nutritional profile rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Here are some medicinal properties and potential benefits associated with consuming sweet peppers like the California Wonder:

  • Rich in vitamins and minerals: Sweet peppers, especially the California Wonder, are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin K1, as well as potassium and folate. These nutrients are essential for supporting the immune system, bone health, vision, and overall health.
  • Antioxidants: Peppers contain various antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These compounds help neutralize free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Certain phytochemicals found in peppers, such as flavonoids and capsaicoids, have anti-inflammatory properties. They can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for cardiovascular, joint, and digestive health.
  • Digestive Support: Peppers contain dietary fiber that promotes digestive health by supporting regular bowel movement and promoting good gut health.
  • Weight Management: Peppers are low in calories but high in fiber, which can help promote satiety and maintain a healthy body weight when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
  • Support for cardiovascular health: Regular consumption of peppers may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease due to their antioxidant, potassium, and fiber content, which help maintain healthy blood pressure and lower LDL cholesterol.

Use
California Wonder peppers can be eaten raw, cooked, grilled, stuffed, or added to a variety of cooked dishes.
To get the most nutrients from peppers, it is recommended to eat them fresh and lightly cooked.

In summary, California Wonder peppers, with their rich nutritional qualities and multiple health benefits, are an excellent option for improving your diet and supporting your overall well-being. Incorporating these peppers into a balanced diet can help promote optimal long-term health.
HOW TO COOK?

The California Wonder pepper is versatile in the kitchen and can be used in many ways to add flavor, texture, and color to various dishes. Here are some ideas and techniques for cooking with California Wonder peppers:

  • Raw in salads:
  • Cut the California Wonder pepper into strips or dice and add it to salads for a touch of crunch and color. It adds a mild, slightly fruity flavor that pairs well with other vegetables and dressings.

 

  • Grilled or roasted:

Grill or roast whole peppers under a broiler or on an outdoor grill until the skin is blackened and blistered. Then wrap them in aluminum foil to cool, then peel off the burnt skin. You can slice them and use them in sandwiches, appetizers, pizzas, or pasta dishes.

  • Stuffed:

California Wonder peppers are perfect for stuffing with a mixture of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and spices. Bake them in the oven until tender and the filling is cooked through.

  • Pickled or marinated:

Slice the peppers into strips and marinate them in olive oil with herbs, garlic, and vinegar. You can use them as a condiment for sandwiches, burgers, or meat dishes.
In sauces and stir-fries:

Add diced California Wonder peppers to your pasta sauces, pizza sauces, or vegetable stir-fries. They add a natural sweetness and pleasant texture to cooked dishes.

  • Raw as a snack:

Cut the peppers into strips and serve them with a dip as a healthy option for a snack or appetizer.
HOW TO GROW?

Did you know that:

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.

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

  • Species:Capsicum annuum
  • Sowing: sow in pots at the beginning of February (to grow in an outdoor greenhouse in mid-May) or sow at the beginning of March in an indoor pot to grow outdoors in June. Does not like the cold.
  • Seeds: 2 seeds per pot, as you will have to transplant each seed into separate pots.
  • Sowing depth: 1 cm
  • Germination time: 6-15 days
  • Soil: Slightly acidic, humus-rich, loose, fresh and well-drained
  • Location: Requires warm growing and plenty of sun
  • Spacing between plants: 30-45cm
  • Height at maturity: 50-60cm
  • Maturity: 70-80 days | Very prolific
  • Seeds per envelope: +/- 25

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