Today is September 3rd, do you know that according to the Italian food calendar, national chilli pepper day falls today? Well, yes, one of the most loved and used spices in our kitchens, like other foods it has a dedicated day (both nationally and internationally).

First of all, let's take a step back, for those who don't know "the Italian food calendar", it is a participatory project, promoted by a community of more than a certain food bloggers, created with the aim of celebrating the richness and variety of the Italian gastronomic tradition. Every day dedicated to a dish, a spice and more, to typical regional and national cuisine.

It's easy to say "chili pepper"

We are used to speaking generically about chilli peppers, but do you know that based on the latest census conducted by the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lazio and Tuscany (2020), there are over 1156 varieties, coming from all over the world, catalogue is available on the official website.

But when did chilli pepper arrive in Italy?

Fresh or dry, it is a must in kitchens, it has literally become the symbol of the gastronomy of some regions and yet... for its presence in our country, we must thank Christopher Columbus, his collaborators and "successors". Chili pepper quickly spread to Spain and Italy, where it literally found fertile ground for the expansion of its production.

Do you know that there is a chilli pepper academy in Italy?

The Italian Academy of Chilli Pepper is based in Calabria, in Diamante (CS) , and is a non-profit association, created with the aim of promoting and deepening the chilli culture in our country.

Events Fairs and festivals dedicated to chilli pepper

If you are true chilli lovers, you cannot miss these events, you should visit World Chilli Pepper Fair (if you haven't already done so), which takes place every year in Rieti. The 2024 edition ended just recently, it was in fact scheduled from 28 August to 1 September. There is still time to participate in theAnnual chilli pepper festival scheduled in Calabria, right in Diamante, from 11 to 15 September, you could also take the opportunity and take advantage of having a nice end-of-season swim in one of the most beautiful seas on our peninsula.

International chili pepper day

The date of September 3 should not be confused with that of International Chili Day, which is celebrated every 4th Thursday of February.