Spicy Pickles

Spicy Banderillas (The Spanish Appetizer Par Excellence)

Banderillas are skewers of pickled vegetables: chili pepper + gherkin + spring onion + olive + anchovy (optional). Spicy versions use extra-hot chili peppers or hot pickled peppers.

Spice level: Variable. There are mild (4/10) and extra spicy (7/10).
Composition: Basque chili pepper + sweet and sour gherkin + spring onion + Manzanilla olive.
Use: Classic Spanish bar aperitif, vermouth,spicy beersgin and tonic.

Recommendation: Gourmet Spicy Banderillas – natural chili peppers from the Basque Country, without artificial preservatives.

Pickled Chillies (The Addictive Pickle)

Pickled chili peppers are the quintessential Spanish pickle. Small, green (or red if ripe), in acidic brine. When you bite into one, first the acid, then the heat. Addictive.

Itch level: Medium-high (6/10).There are varieties:

• Ibarra peppers: Mild, sweet, controlled spiciness (4/10).
• Basque Country chili peppers: More intense, medium-high spiciness (6-7/10).
• Cayenne pepper: Extreme version for the brave (8/10).

Uses: As a snack, as a topping for sandwiches, as an accompaniment to gilda, in cocktails (bloody mary).

Recommendation: Artisan Basque Country Chili Peppers – crunchy texture, natural wine vinegar, unpasteurized.

Spicy Pickles (The International Pickle)

Spicy gherkins are small cucumbers pickled in vinegar with hot spices. There are two main styles:

American Style: With dill + cayenne + mustard. Anise flavor + direct spiciness.
Spanish Style: With garlic + hot paprika + oregano. Mediterranean flavor + controlled heat.

Itchiness level: Mild-medium (4/10).
Uses: Appetizer, hamburgers, hot dogs, pickle board, salad topping, Cuban sandwich.

Recommendation: Spicy Sweet & Sour Pickles – perfect balance of sour + sweet + spicy.

Spicy Peppers in Vinegar (The Northern Classic)

Piquillo peppers, choricero peppers or long pickled chili peppers with spices. Typical of Navarre and the Basque Country.

Spiciness level: Variable (3-6/10) depending on the variety.
Characteristics: Meaty, with a firm texture, sweet + sour + spicy flavor.
Uses: Appetizer, tortilla topping, empanada filling, meat garnish.

Recommendation: Spicy Piquillo Peppers – IGP Navarra, authentic flavor.

Spicy Pickled Spring Onions (The Sweet and Sour Touch)

Small (pearl) spring onions pickled in vinegar with spices and a touch of chili. Sweet and sour flavor with a mild spicy finish.

Itch level: Mild (3/10).
Characteristics: Sweet at first, sour at the end, with a subtle spicy touch.
Uses: Cocktails (gibson, bloody mary), pickle platter, garnish for cold cuts.

Perfect for those seeking controlled spice in an elegant appetizer.

Spicy Pickled Cucumbers (The Large Version)

Whole or thickly sliced cucumbers pickled with hot spices. Less common than gherkins, but with a more intense flavor.

Itching level: Medium (5/10).
Characteristics: Crunchy, juicy, more intense flavor than pickles.
Uses: Appetizer, assorted pickle platter, snacks, XL hamburgers.