05 Nov How Our Piquillo Peppers Are Made: An Artisan Process from San Adrián, Navarra
How Our Piquillo Peppers Are Made: An Artisan Process from San Adrián, Navarra
At Olmeda Orígenes, our piquillo peppers have their origins in San Adrián, Navarra—a region known for its rich agricultural tradition. Each pepper is hand-picked one by one, filling buckets that are then loaded onto tractors and taken directly to the factory, where a unique production process begins.
Step 1: Wood-Fired Roasting
How Our Piquillo Peppers Are Made?
Once at the factory, the peppers are poured into a hopper, raised on an elevator, and dropped into the oven, where they roast over a wood fire. Fire control is essential in this stage: a dedicated worker adds wood to the oven every five minutes and adjusts the fan to maintain the perfect temperature. This method ensures the distinctive flavor and texture of piquillo peppers, which, once roasted, move along the conveyor belt.
Step 2: Peeling and Manual Selection
The peppers then pass through an initial peeling machine that removes most of the skin and stems. Next, they arrive at a manual selection line, where a team removes any remaining stems and selects peppers that meet high-quality standards. After this step, they enter a second peeling machine that leaves them completely clean.
Step 3: Final Check and Bottling
The peppers go through a final check, where any remaining skin is carefully removed to ensure only perfect peppers reach the next stage. In the bottling area, peppers are sorted by quality and size, then counted by hand before being packed. Each can is weighed at the end to ensure the exact amount.
Step 4: Sterilization and Final Packaging
Finally, the cans are sterilized in a specialized machine, a crucial step to ensure product freshness and quality during storage. After this process, the piquillo peppers are ready to be enjoyed at any table, bringing the authentic taste of Navarra.
From Navarra to Your Table: An Authentic Flavor
Every step in the making of our piquillo peppers at Olmeda Orígenes reflects dedication and respect for the artisan traditions of Navarra. From hand-picking to bottling, we ensure that each pepper maintains the authentic flavor and quality we’re known for. Our piquillo peppers arrive at your table ready to bring a unique and genuine taste of Spanish cuisine. Enjoy them and discover why the piquillo pepper is a culinary treasure meant to be shared!