When it comes to pizza, we’ve all seen the typical toppings: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and maybe some onions. But sometimes, a more unexpected ingredient can take your pizza experience to a whole new level. One such topping I encountered years ago was peppadew, and let me tell you, it was an unusual but delightful surprise.
What is Peppadew?
For those unfamiliar, peppadew is a bright red pepper that looks somewhat like a cherry tomato. Native to South Africa, it’s technically called a piquante pepper and offers a unique flavor profile. It starts off slightly sweet, and then—surprisingly—a mild heat creeps up on you a couple of minutes later. This “sweet heat” combination is subtle but flavorful, making it a great addition to pizzas for those looking for something different.
My Experience with Peppadew Pizza
The first time I had peppadew on pizza, I was in Hot Springs, Arkansas—not exactly a place you’d expect to find an unusual gourmet pizza. It was paired with Volpi pepperoni, a gourmet variety with a richer and spicier taste than your typical pepperoni. Together, the sweet-then-spicy flavor of the peppadew worked surprisingly well with the pepperoni’s savory richness. The bright red peppadew added a pop of color to the pizza, making it visually striking as well.
The sweetness hit first, almost like you might expect from a fruit topping like pineapple—but much more subtle. A couple of minutes later, the mild heat followed, balancing out the flavors in a way I hadn’t anticipated. It wasn’t overpowering, just enough to remind you it was there, and it elevated the overall taste of the pizza.
Why Peppadew Works as a Pizza Topping
One reason peppadew works so well on pizza is that it doesn’t overwhelm other ingredients. Instead, it complements them. For example, on my pizza, the Volpi pepperoni’s bold, savory flavor didn’t clash with the peppadew’s sweet heat. Instead, the two worked in harmony, enhancing each other and creating a layered, complex bite.
In a world where people are always looking for new pizza experiences, peppadew is one of those underrated toppings that delivers something fresh. It’s not as polarizing as pineapple, but it still adds a unique twist to the traditional pizza flavor profile.
Finding Peppadew: A Challenge
One thing about peppadew is that it’s not the easiest ingredient to find. You might have to scour your supermarket, and it could be tucked away on some obscure shelf. In my local supermarket, it’s actually available at the olive bar, where you can scoop it into a container and it’s sold by weight. So, if you’re looking to recreate a peppadew pizza at home, it might take a bit of searching, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Other Unusual Pizza Toppings to Explore
If peppadew isn’t your style, there are plenty of other unusual toppings that can elevate your pizza game. From figs and arugula to truffle oil and blue cheese, sometimes stepping outside the box can lead to a delicious discovery. You never know what combination might hit just right.
