what is pimento

Pimentos, also known as pimiento or cherry pepper, are a type of large, red, heart-shaped chili pepper that measures 3 to 4 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide, with a short, thick green stem. They are sweet and mild, with very little heat, and are commonly used as a garnish, an ingredient, and a spice. Pimentos are often found in prepared Spanish or Greek green olives, where they are hand-stuffed into each olive to balance out the olives otherwise strong, salty flavor. They are also used for making pimento cheese, a type of spread on crackers or bread, and pimento loaf, a type of processed sandwich. Pimentos are sometimes pureed and used in modern times. In some regions of Spain and the United States, pimentos are used in their mix of paprika, a popular spice made by grounding various peppers to a fine powder.