Cubanelle Pepper
Capsicum annuum — Italian Frying Pepper — 100–1,000 SHU
The Cubanelle — also called the Italian frying pepper — is sweet, thin-walled, and a culinary staple across Italy, Cuba, and Italian-American kitchens. Sautéed simply in olive oil with garlic, it becomes one of the most satisfying side dishes imaginable. Productive, fast-maturing, and mild enough for anyone, it's an excellent choice for home growers who want a cooking pepper rather than a heat experience.
🌱 How to Grow Cubanelle Peppers
6–8 hours daily. Productive and fast-maturing in full sun — one of the easiest sweet peppers to grow at home.
Ideal 18–28°C. Tolerant of moderate temperatures — a reliable performer in UK summer conditions outdoors.
Consistent moisture. Thin walls make Cubanelles slightly susceptible to shrivelling if plants dry out during fruit development.
12–15L pot works well. Medium-sized productive plant, good for container growing on a sunny patio.
High-potassium tomato feed from first flower. Regular feeding sustains continuous fruit production through the season.
Harvest yellow-green for fresh eating and frying, or ripen to red for a sweeter, richer flavour. Both are excellent in the kitchen.
🩺 Common Problems
Cause: Inconsistent watering causing thin-walled fruit to lose moisture
Fix: Water consistently, harvest promptly when ready rather than leaving on plant
Cause: Temperature extremes or nitrogen excess during flowering
Fix: Maintain stable conditions, switch to potassium feed at first flower
Cause: Common on young growth — less of a problem than with hot varieties
Fix: Neem oil spray or water jet
Cause: Cool weather
Fix: Bring indoors to ripen on a bright windowsill if needed
❓ Common Questions
What does Cubanelle taste like?
Sweet, slightly tangy, and mildly flavourful — not hot at all. When sautéed, the flavour deepens and sweetens. Think Italian-style sweet pepper, thinner and more flavourful than Bell pepper.
How do I cook with Cubanelle peppers?
Fry sliced in olive oil with garlic until softened (the classic Italian preparation). Stuff with seasoned rice or ground meat. Add to pasta sauces, pizza, or frittatas. They cook faster than Bell peppers.
Are Cubanelle peppers the same as Italian frying peppers?
Yes — Cubanelle is the Cuban name, Italian frying pepper is the common name in Italian-American cooking. The same variety goes by both names depending on the region.
Can I substitute Cubanelle for Bell pepper?
Yes — use Cubanelles anywhere you'd use Bell pepper. They're thinner-walled so they cook faster and have more flavour. Don't expect to stuff them as easily — the walls are too thin for classic stuffed peppers.
