Tatashe Pepper in Nigeria (half painter)

Tatashe Pepper in Nigeria – The Vibrant Red Pepper That Defines Nigerian Cuisine

Tatashe pepper in Nigeria is one of the most essential cooking ingredients used to give stews, soups, and jollof rice their rich red colour and distinct aroma. Known for its flavour more than its heat, it’s a kitchen favourite across Nigerian homes and restaurants.

What is Tatashe Pepper Called in English?

The English name for Tatashe pepper is red bell pepper or sweet pepper. It’s part of the Capsicum annuum family — the same species that includes green, yellow, and orange bell peppers.

What is the Difference Between Tatashe and Red Bell Pepper?

While both look similar, Tatashe in Nigeria is typically smaller, firmer, and slightly hotter than the regular red bell pepper found in Western stores. It adds a deeper, earthy taste to dishes, which makes it perfect for blending with Shombo (also called cayenne or chilli pepper) and tomatoes in local stews.

So, is Tatashe pepper hot? Not exactly — it’s mildly spicy compared to Shombo, which is much hotter and thinner. The two are often used together to balance flavour and heat in classic Nigerian recipes.

Tatashe Pepper Benefits

Tatashe is more than just flavour — it’s a powerhouse of nutrients. Rich in vitamins A and C, it supports healthy skin, boosts immunity, and promotes good eyesight. It’s also high in antioxidants and low in calories, making it a healthy addition to everyday meals.

Check out our Tatashe pepper pictures to identify it easily when shopping in local markets or online stores.

If you’re building your Nigerian spice collection, you may also like Dry Red Chilli Pepper, a perfect companion for stews and sauces.

Bell peppers are the same as Tatashe and are used to add colour to food. They are different from Shombe. They come in red, yellow, orange, and green. The green bell pepper is popularly known as a green pepper. Bell peppers add thickness, color (red ), and sweetness to meals.

Bell pepper has a sweet taste, so aside from blending it with other peppers for stew, it is also very good for stir-fry. If you would like to reduce the amount of seasoning and oil you put in your meals, you can increase the number of tatashe that goes into the meal.

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