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1. A great source for this unique spice

   Posted by chambolle on 7th Aug 2012

   Piment d'Espelette is a unique product, subject to Appellation d'Origine Controlee regulation, which extends the right to use the AOC label only to ten communes in the Basque country in France. The peppers are grown, harvested, dried and prepared subject to strict regulation and, like wine, cheese and other products subject to the AOC, must display the typical "organoleptic characteristics" of the traditionally produced spice. Piment d'Espelette is never strong or screamingly hot, so if you are expecting something akin to Scotch Bonnet peppers, or the acrid bite of "chili pepper" blends, look elsewhere. However, it does have a sweet and smoky aroma, akin to good pimenton or paprika, along with a distinct peppery 'bite' at the finish.
   
   Piment d'Espelette is never inexpensive and it is usually not easy to find in the US, so having this source available is great - the Piment from Market Hall is fresh fresh fresh. I use it in almost everything -- for example, peel and slice cucumbers, toss with a good quantity of freshly squeezed lemon juice (Meyer lemons preferred), a pinch of sugar, a healthy dose of fleur de sel or kosher salt, and a generous pinch of Piment d'Espelette. Let the cukes sit in a colander for up to half an hour, tossing occasionally, then serve. Trust me, you will not fail to notice the presence of the piment. It's also great and sufficiently assertive to dress a good sized composed salad with just a pinch in a basic vinaigrette dressing of lemon juice, white wine vinegar, dijon mustard and grapeseed, walnut or olive oil. Wonderful sprinkled lightly over a platter of carved "rotisserie chicken" from the grocery. Adds a nice edge to rillettes or a terrine. Adds pop to scrambled eggs, quiche... just think of anything you'd like to lend a subtly sweet, smoky and hot red peppery note, and give it a healthy pinch of Piment d'Espelette.
   
   This is now a staple in my kitchen and it sits on the table in our house beside a pepper mill and a dish of fleur de sel or Maldon salt - indispensible.

2. LOVE THIS STUFF!

   Posted by Grit on 1st Aug 2012

   Gives a warm depth of flavor with a nice little kick, spicy but subtle. Great on eggs, meats, poultry, creamy salads, you name it. A must have in my pantry.

3. love this stuff!!!

   Posted by Unknown on 1st Aug 2012

   I love this stuff...gives a warm depth with a little kick. Great on eggs, meats, chicken potatoes, you name it.

4. a hauntingly wonderful pepper spice

   Posted by Lynn R. on 19th Jan 2011

   This is much beloved in southwest France. I had heard mention of it but it never really got my attention and then adoration until I went to Bayonne France. Espellette has considerable local mystique in Basque France where they sell a range of local artisanal products avec espellette including ketchup. But on what seemed to be unending recommendation of many locals, I tried both the local artisanal chocolate and also ice cream. Fine beyond words!!! Espellette is very carefully cultivated and harvested. It is known for compartively 'subtle' heat which comes on slowly, and fine nuanced flavor. I use it frequently but find I like it best where it is not masked by other heavy spices - but I use it plenty.
   
   Espellette is definitly a regional, artisanal item in France and in general is not that easy to find outside of France; this is an excellent brand.

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