Padron Peppers (PHX)

[anneti]

I have looked everywhere in Phoenix to purchase Padron Peppers. I love to make them the traditional Spanish tapa way but I can't ever find them. Does anyone know where I can purchase them locally?

[Rubee]

I asked this question earlier this year, including whether any local restaurants serve them, but got no responses. I'll be following this thread to see if there are any updates!

For now, I buy them on-line at latienda.com.

http://www.tienda.com/food/products/v...

[Rubee]

Two more on-line sources:

Happy Quail Farms (5 lbs or more)
http://www.happyquailfarms.com/padrones.html

Viridian Farms (cheaper per lb than Tienda):
http://www.shop.viridianfarms.com/category.sc?categoryId=2

Seeds:
http://www.tomatogrowers.com/hot4.htm
http://www.localharvest.org/store/item.jsp?id=8259
http://www.gourmetseed.com/sweet_pepp...

Hohokam - can you email me (in bio)? I want to pick your brain about trying to grow these locally.

[hohokam]

Will do.

[hohokam]

I still haven't run across a local source, but I'm going to try to grow some out this fall and then again in the spring. If I'm successful, I might try to get a small local commercial grower (e.g., Dos Arbolitos) to give them a go.

Now, if I can get them to produce AND keep them from crossing with the other chiles we have growing (that's a big "if"), I might be able to do a little seed sharing come December and/or April.

[fingers crossed]

[drewb123]

Just received the downtown Phoenix Framers market 's weekly email and it seems to be that there is a new vendor selling padron peppers as of today. I am very excited to go see what's going on but will have tro wait till saturdays market. If anyone makes it there let me know what you find.

[Rubee]

Yay! Thanks for the tip! Looks like it's Seacat Gardens....

[drewb123]

I know right.... so excited I tried them once through a friedna nd they were damn good.

[Rubee]

Just a couple of updates:

Carl Seacat didn't grow Padróns this year. While they were delicious last year, as the summer temps increased, so did the heat of the peppers.

I did FINALLY find a Phoenix-area restaurant that serves pimientos de Padrón to satisfy my addiction. I had the last of the season, but they'll be back next summer at Onyx Lounge at the Four Seasons Scottsdale. A beautiful setting to snack on these peppers. The menu is international with a focus on Mexican and Spanish small plates. They also have a great tequila menu, where the manager introduced me to a new favorite - Clase Azul Añejo. We plan to return soon for sunset cocktails and Happy Hour (daily 3-6 pm).

[Rubee]

Another update: Carl (Seacat Gardens) told me that he's growing pimientos de Padrón this year so I'm a happy camper!

http://www.seacatgardens.com/