Description

Rich, velvety sweetness with classic Italian charm. Marconi Red is the deep crimson member of the beloved Marconi trio, prized for its crisp bite, concentrated sweetness, and sun-ripened tomato notes when roasted. Think bell pepper flavor with more depth and less water, perfect for grilling, stuffing, and raw snacking. If you want color that pops and flavor that lingers, this is your red standout.

The plants are vigorous and tidy, typically 2 to 3 feet tall with a branching habit that sets heavy clusters of long, elegant pods. Clean, dark foliage frames the fruit so the plants look ornamental well before ripening. Pods average 7 to 9 inches, smooth and tapered with thick, juicy walls that blister and peel beautifully over flame. They mature from glossy green to a saturated, fire-engine red that signals peak sweetness and aroma; the firm flesh keeps its shape on the grill, in the pan, and in brine, and also dehydrates evenly for flakes and powder.

Bite into a fully colored pod and you get bright garden sweetness first, then a mellow, low-acid finish with hints of cherry and roasted corn. In the kitchen, Marconi Red shines on sheet pans, antipasto boards, and stuffed pepper recipes; sliced into rings, it brings crunch and color to salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. Charred and peeled, it purées into a silky, ruby sauce or soup; dried at peak color and ground, it yields a sweet, brick-red powder that lifts rubs, eggs, and roasted vegetables. Rooted in Italian market gardens and beloved by cooks for its balance of sweetness, texture, and yield, Marconi Red is the pantry-building Capsicum annuum you’ll harvest by the armful.