Despite the summer drought, big success for the 53rd pepper festival in Espelette

Tens of thousands of tourists and locals in the streets of Espelette, 2,000 inhabitants all year round, this weekend for the 53rd edition of the Pepper Festival. In the middle of the specialty stands of all kinds, from wool to Irouléguy via Ossau-Iraty, the strings of chilli peppers looked great despite the summer drought. According to the AOP Piment d’Espelette syndicate, the intense heat of August destroyed between 20 and 30% of production this yearbut the rains in September allowed the plants to bloom again and saved the furniture.

Due to this drought, the chilli is a bit hotter than usual this year, because it is smaller and therefore more concentrated. But still just as good. On the other hand, the president of the PDO Panpi Olaizola noted conservation problems this year. “Normally we let the peppers dry for two weeks before they can be put in the oven. This year, several producers noticed that they did not always last a fortnight”.

Not enough to spoil the party for this couple from Deux-Sévriens who came to taste the famous pepper. “Very good! We had planted it in Deux-Sèvres but it didn’t taste the same at all, it was more pungent”, smiles Christelle. For Estitxu, the producer, this is an opportunity to recall the base: “Espelette pepper does not sting, it is 4-5 on a scale of 10. It is recognized for its flavor”.