Pimento, canned
Whole food · Vegetables and Vegetable Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Canned pimentos are the sweet, mild flesh of the red cherry pepper, preserved in a soft, almost jam-like texture. They offer a vibrant, tangy-sweet flavor with very few calories, making them a flavor-packed, low-energy-density addition to dishes. Their nutrition is notable for providing dietary fiber and a touch of natural sugar without significant fat or protein.
💚 Why it's loved
People love pimentos for their unique sweet-tart flavor and velvety texture that instantly elevates simple dishes like cheese spreads and salads. They are a beloved staple in Southern U.S. cuisine and are cherished for their ability to add a pop of color and a burst of concentrated pepper flavor.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is the potential for added sodium in the canning brine, which can be a concern for those monitoring salt intake. To counteract this, you can rinse the pimentos under cool water to reduce surface sodium, or look for 'no salt added' versions. Their natural sugar content, while low, may also be a consideration for strict low-carb diets, so portion control is key.
Key benefits
- Very low in calories and fat
- Good source of dietary fiber
- Provides natural sugars for quick energy
- Contains vitamin C from the red pepper
- Adds intense flavor without heavy sauces
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The pimento pepper is actually the same species as the cherry pepper, and its name comes from the Spanish word for 'pepper,' though it's often mistakenly thought to be related to allspice (which is also called 'pimento' in some regions).
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 93.1 g |
| Energy | 23.0 kcal |
| Energy | 96.0 kj |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.30 g |
| Ash | 0.40 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 5.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.9 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.7 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 6.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.7 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 6.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 17.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 158 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 14.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.19 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.09 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 84.9 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.02 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.06 mg |
| Niacin | 0.61 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.21 mg |
| Folate, total | 6.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 6.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 6.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 6.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 133 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 1474 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 238 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 2655 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 366 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.69 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 8.3 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.04 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.16 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.15 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
| Phytosterols | 9.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.01 g |
| Threonine | 0.04 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.04 g |
| Leucine | 0.06 g |
| Lysine | 0.05 g |
| Methionine | 0.01 g |
| Cystine | 0.02 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.03 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.02 g |
| Valine | 0.05 g |
| Arginine | 0.05 g |
| Histidine | 0.02 g |
| Alanine | 0.04 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.16 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.14 g |
| Glycine | 0.04 g |
| Proline | 0.05 g |
| Serine | 0.04 g |
FAQ
What's the difference between pimentos and roasted red peppers?
Pimentos are a specific, mild, heart-shaped sweet cherry pepper, while roasted red peppers are typically made from larger, sweeter bell peppers. Pimentos have a more concentrated, tangy-sweet flavor and a softer, almost paste-like texture when canned.
Can I substitute fresh pimentos for canned?
Yes, but the flavor and texture will differ. Fresh pimentos are crisp and milder. To substitute, roast and peel fresh cherry peppers, then chop them. The canned version's distinct, slightly fermented tang is hard to replicate exactly.
Are canned pimentos spicy?
No, pimentos are known for being very mild and sweet, with virtually no heat. Their appeal is in their rich, fruity pepper flavor, not spiciness.