Datil Pepper History
Ancient City Datil: St. Augustine's Signature Spice
Tucked away along the coast of Northeast Florida lies St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. Home to civil war battles and the oldest Catholic Church in the United States, this historic gem is also home to one of the most sought-after peppers, the Datil Pepper. Whether boiling in a pot of fan-favorite datil pepper soup, or dripping from a jar of locally made datil pepper jelly, this special pepper captivates everyone who is bold enough to try it.
Sometimes we grow a unique double datil pepper like shown above. :)
Every local has a special place in their heart for the datil pepper. It has become more than an ingredient to a dish, but a symbol of the culture and traditions of St. Augustine. Spread across the city, you can find the mighty datil pepper in homemade hot sauces and classic recipes known in the area for centuries. Its unique flavor profile is a blend of fruit, heat and just a pinch of sweetness. Many compare it to a habanero, but think of it as their more tame cousin. The datil proudly comes in at around 100k SHU while it’s fiery cousin rests at 350k SHU. Though it may not pack the same punch, this beloved pepper is more than capable of spicing up your meal.
Due to the versatile nature of the datil pepper, local home chefs, etcetera, concoct and share their recipes with great pride. This type of pepper can be used to flavor chutneys, vinaigrettes, salsas, stews and anything you can think of. Start your experience in St. Augustine with a drool-worthy dish, or enjoy the fresh aroma of Datil Pepper Jelly with your morning toast.
The history behind the datil pepper is both mysterious and sacred to the community. It is thought to have originated with the Minorcan settlers, a people brought by the Spanish to work on their ranches and farms as indentured servants. One of the most probable theories is that it came from Chile by a man named S.B. Vallas, a South American businessman, who set up his pepper jelly trade in St. Augustine in 1880. This fits the timeline best since it's the oldest mention of Datil peppers referred to by name in recorded history.
After generations, the Datil pepper has become intrinsically linked to the city of St. Augustine, much like the ancient cobblestone streets and the iconic Castillo de San Marcos. The datil pepper is now