### 1. **Marconi Rosso**
- **Days to Harvest**: 70-80 days
- **History**: The Marconi Rosso is a traditional Italian heirloom pepper, often associated with the regions of southern Italy. It was originally cultivated for its versatility and sweet flavor. Its name "Marconi" may be linked to Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian inventor, though it's more likely a regional reference.
- **Description & Characteristics**: These peppers are large, tapering, and elongated, usually reaching 7-9 inches in length. They have a vibrant red color when fully mature and a sweet, mild flavor, with thick walls that make them ideal for roasting, grilling, or eating raw.
- **Uses**: The Marconi Rosso is particularly prized for its sweet flavor and is used in Italian cuisine for roasting, frying, or adding to salads. It’s also excellent for stuffing or making sauces.
### 2. **Red Bull's Horn (Corno di Toro Rosso)**
- **Days to Harvest**: 70-80 days
- **History**: The Corno di Toro, meaning "bull's horn," is a classic Italian pepper that has been grown for centuries, especially in southern and central Italy. This variety is named for its curved, horn-like shape. It was historically grown in Italian home gardens for use in local dishes.
- **Description & Characteristics**: The fruits are long and curved, growing up to 8-10 inches in length. When mature, they turn a deep, rich red color. They are sweet and have thin walls, making them perfect for frying, roasting, or grilling. The texture is tender, and they offer a mildly sweet flavor.
- **Uses**: Corno di Toro Rosso peppers are traditionally used for frying, but they are also delicious when grilled, stuffed, or eaten raw in salads. Their sweetness intensifies when roasted, making them a popular choice for Italian antipasti and sides.
### 3. **Shepherd**
- **Days to Harvest**: 65-75 days
- **History**: Shepherd peppers are commonly believed to have Italian roots and are often considered an heirloom variety, though they have also been widely grown in North America. They were prized for their sweetness and the abundance of fruit they produce.
- **Description & Characteristics**: Shepherd peppers have a blocky, elongated shape, growing up to 7-8 inches long. They mature to a brilliant red color and have a sweet flavor. These peppers have thick walls, making them perfect for grilling, roasting, or stuffing.
- **Uses**: Shepherd peppers are versatile and used in a wide range of culinary applications. They are excellent for grilling, roasting, stuffing, and eating raw in salads or as a snack. Their sweetness also makes them suitable for sauces and soups.