Pimento

/pɪˈmɛntoʊ/ noun

Definition

A small, sweet red pepper often used as a filling in olives or as a garnish in cooking.

Etymology

From Spanish 'pimiento,' derived from Latin 'pigmentum' meaning 'color' or 'pigment.' The word traveled to English through Spanish colonial influence, as the pepper itself originated in the Americas and was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers.

Kelly Says

The pimento is why some olives have that red center — Spanish conquistadors loved these peppers so much they brought them back from the New World and eventually figured out they'd be perfect inside olives, creating a snack that's now served in bars worldwide.

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