HEIRLOOM If you’re looking for an abundant paprika pepper that thrives in short, cool seasons with a sweet, singeing heat, here you are! This pepper is so beloved in the Espellete region of France that Espellete paprika gradually replaced black pepper and remains a cornerstone of Basque cuisine to this day.

It’s true, some paprika peppers are mild and others are spicy: Espellete is on the spicer side, often approaching 5000 on the Scoville Scale, approaching an average jalapeño. Which we love! Some Espellete peppers we smoke cure and others we simply dry before powdering them — either way, we love organic Espellete paprika pepper more than words can say. Thanks to Henry for sharing these seeds with us! We still crack black pepper…and we reach for Espellete paprika nearly daily, as well.