Pimiento: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'pimiento' comes from Spanish, where it means 'pepper', and it has been used in English since the early 1800s.
• Originally, 'pimiento' referred to a specific variety of pepper, native to the Americas, distinct for its sweetness.
• In Latin, the word 'piper' relates to all types of pepper, showing how the term has evolved across languages.

Culinary Uses

• Pimiento is often used in dishes like cheese spreads, salads, and is famously found in stuffed olives.
• It is also a key ingredient in pimento cheese, a Southern U.S. delicacy made with cheese, pimiento, and spices.
• When undried, pimiento peppers are sweet and have a mild flavor, making them versatile in various recipes.

Cultural Significance

• In Spain, pimientos are considered a key part of the tapas tradition, often served grilled or stuffed with cheese.
• Pimiento peppers feature in many Latin American cuisines, highlighting their cultural importance and regional variations.
• In the United States, pimiento was popularized as a garnish for cocktails, particularly in martinis and other drinks.

Nutrition

• Low in calories and high in vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, pimientos contribute to a healthy diet.
• They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage by free radicals.
• The vibrant color of pimiento peppers indicates their rich nutrient content, making them not just tasty but good for you!

Botanical Aspects

• Pimientos belong to the Capsicum annuum species, which includes many other popular pepper varieties.
• These peppers have a smooth, thick skin and are much sweeter than their spicier relatives like jalapeños or serranos.
• Cultivation of pimiento peppers is widespread across warmer regions, which provide the sunlight and heat they thrive in.

Ranking #36,811, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 36808 largish
• 36809 telecasting
• 36810 spiritedly
• 36811 pimiento
• 36812 toddle
• 36813 teetotal
• 36814 gamesmanship
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