Banana peppers are known by a few different names, such as yellow wax peppers or banana chili peppers. They are members of the chili pepper family, and a very common way of eating them is as part of a sandwich in a pickled form. A derivative of the species Capsicum annuum, they get their name from their shape that oftentimes does look like a banana. While the range of their hotness is only mild to medium (which is what makes them such a great alternative to the much sharper jalapeno peppers), their hotness is dependent on the maturity of the actual pepper. Ripe banana peppers are sweeter than younger ones.
On a Sandwich
One of the most common uses for banana peppers is also the simplest: just as a topping on most any sandwich for the purpose of giving it that extra kick and spicy flavor that can go a long way--especially if your sandwich is boring or mild in taste to begin with. Banana peppers also bring a vinegary type of flavor to sandwiches, whether your sandwich is a BLT, or just a shredded pork sandwich, or even just a boring old turkey sandwich. Banana peppers are also a great alternative to jalapeno peppers. Hot dogs also feature banana peppers enough to earn a mention, and the Cuban sandwich called a paseo commonly features sliced banana peppers for a great crunch in your mouth.
Appetizers
Should you want an alternative use for banana peppers apart from just putting them into your sandwich, you can also eat them as an appetizer, which is common in Mexican cuisine. Because of their flavor that is close to pickles, banana peppers are ideal as a companion item to serve alongside other pickled items like olives, mushrooms, cucumbers and even artichoke hearts. In the case of an appetizer called a Colorado mix, banana peppers go great with the mix's main component of onions and vegetables. The most common and simplest use of banana peppers as an appetizer can be in something as commonplace as a topping for crackers, or just eaten along with cheese. Banana peppers are quite versatile as a food, so they make good candidates for many appetizer situations.
Don't Waste Banana Peppers
Banana peppers sometimes are thrown away or wasted because folks just don't know what to do with them besides the obvious uses of a sandwich topper or an appetizer. Because of their versatility, banana peppers can also be used as an ingredient in many types of salads, just chopped up. Or they can also be utilized as a very flavor-giving topping on pizza, especially if the pizza would be bland otherwise. Finally, another use of banana peppers is more unorthodox: Stuff them with different meats and cheeses and put them in the oven. Delicious!
