 Discover St. Augustine’s Iconic Ingredient: The Datil Pepper When it comes to ingredients that define St. Augustine, the datil pepper takes the top spot--fiery, flavorful, and fiercely local. This little golden-orange chili packs a punch that’s as unique as the city it calls home. With its signature sweet heat and complex flavor, the datil pepper has been spicing up St. Augustine’s cuisine for more than two centuries. 🌶️ So, What Is a Datil Pepper? The datil pepper is a small, lantern-shaped pepper, similar in heat to a habanero, but with a noticeably sweeter, fruitier flavor. It’s believed to have been brought to St. Augustine by Minorcan settlers in the 18th century, and it thrives in the city’s warm, coastal climate. Today, St. Augustine remains one of the only places in the world where datil peppers are grown commercially - making it a true regional treasure. 🧑🍳 Why Locals Love It Datil peppers are as versatile as they are vibrant. You’ll find them starring in everything from hot sauces and jams to chowders, BBQ sauces, marinades, and even desserts. The pepper’s sweet heat adds a unique zing without overwhelming the dish—just enough to keep you coming back for more. 🍽️ Where to Find Datil Pepper Sauces in St. Augustine If you’re craving a taste of this iconic ingredient, check out these local makers and shops that showcase datil peppers in all their fiery glory: 1. Minorcan Mike’s (online orders) A local legend known for bold, authentic Minorcan datil pepper sauces. 2. Pepper Palace - 2 St. George Street Hot sauce lovers rejoice—this shop features a fiery selection of sauces, including some with a datil twist. 3. Datil B Good (online orders with Luvin' Oven Catering) Locally made small-batch sauces with a creative take on datil-based flavor. Ask for the creamed datil pepper honey! 4. Hot Stuff - 34 Treasury Street Small batch sauces from Florida guided by an international palate. 5. Minorcan Datil Pepper Products (various locations in St. Augustine) Authentic and locally sourced datil sauces and relishes rooted in heritage and heat. 🛍️ Where to Take an Infused Taste Home 1. The Spice & Tea Exchange - 59 Hypolita Street and 167 San Marco Ave. Great for spice blends featuring datil and other local flavors. 2. Whetstone Chocolates - 42 St. George Street, 139 King Street, 13 Anastasia Blvd. For the bold: try chocolate infused with a hint of datil heat. 🌶️ Taste the Heat with Us! Want a guided experience of St. Augustine’s signature flavors? The Tasting Tours often features datil pepper products on our culinary adventures—from savory bites to sweet surprises—and we love sharing the story behind this spicy local legend. 👉 Book your next flavor-filled adventure: www.thetastingtours.com The datil pepper isn’t just an ingredient—it’s a bite of St. Augustine’s history, culture, and creativity. Come taste the heat and discover why this local legend continues to leave a lasting impression.
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