SHISHITO PEPPER (PREORDER)

~11 lbs Shishito Pepper aka "Groundcherry Pepper", "Lion Head Pepper", "Ri-Ben-La-Jiao", "曰本辣椒" Shishito pepper is slender, thin-walled, and slightly wrinkled mild chili pepper. Shishito pepper is generally three to five inches in length. They have a fresh peppery and slightly sweet flavor. Shishito pepper is often roasted and grilled as an appetizer. Shishito pepper is available year-round. Handling Tip Selection Shishito pepper is firm with glossy skin, unblemished, and not shriveling. If leaves are attached, they should be moist and green along with green stems. Dry lines or striations across the skin indicate a hotter pepper. These lines are not an indication of poor quality. Storage Shishito pepper should be stored at 45°F - 55°F (7°C - 13°C) with a relative humidity of ninety to ninety-five percent and no mist. The typical shelf life is two to three weeks. Shelf life can be extended by another week by packaging in moisture-retentive films under optimal storage temperature. Storage temperature above 55°F (13°C) will accelerate ripening and bacterial soft rot. Shishito pepper is sensitive to ethylene, a naturally occurring gas that regulates ripening. Shishito pepper should not be stored with high ethylene-producing products to extend shelf life and avoid softening and discoloration. Shishito pepper produces a very low level of ethylene. Shishito pepper is sensitive to chilling injury at storage below 45°F (7°c). Symptoms include surface pitting, water-soaked areas, decay, and discoloration of the seed cavity. As the pepper ripens, it becomes less sensitive to chilling injury.