Where do pimentos come from?

Pimentos are small red peppers that are native to North and Central America. They are also known as "cherry peppers" because of their round shape, in contrast to the bell-shaped "bell peppers." Most pimentos are sweet peppers, but some varieties can be hot.

Pimentos are commonly chopped and stuffed into green Spanish olives. These olives are used as a garnish, such as with a martini, and are an important ingredient in pimento cheese as well as in a lunch meat known as pimento loaf. They can also be stuffed for an appetizer or pickled.

Pimentos are generally sweet and mild. They are considered one of the most mild of the chili peppers.