Pimento
Pimento is a small, sweet red pepper variety prized for its mild flavor and high vitamin C content, offering exceptional antioxidant and micronutrient density with minimal calories.
Nutrition · per ~85 g serving · ≈ ¾ cup chopped
- Vitamin C72.2 mg80% DV
- Vitamin K7.1 mcg6% DV
- Riboflavin0.05 mg4% DV
- Vitamin E0.59 mg4% DV
- Niacin0.52 mg3% DV
- Vitamin A113.0 iu2% DV
- Folate5.1 mcg1% DV
- Thiamin0.01 mg1% DV
- Choline5.4 mg<1% DV
- Vitamin B60.01 mg<1% DV
- Iron1.4 mg8% DV
- Copper0.04 mg5% DV
- Manganese0.08 mg3% DV
- Potassium134.3 mg3% DV
- Zinc0.16 mg1% DV
- Magnesium5.1 mg1% DV
- Phosphorus14.4 mg1% DV
- Sodium11.9 mg<1% DV
- Calcium5.1 mg<1% DV
- Selenium0.17 mcg<1% DV
- Polyunsaturated Fat0.14 g
- Saturated Fat0.04 g
- Monounsaturated Fat0.02 g
- Lutein & Zeaxanthin~5.1 mg
- Carotenoids~5.1 mg
- Polyphenols~128 mg
Score · 90/100
Vitamins & minerals packed in relative to calories — the single biggest driver of the score.
How much protein it delivers, by absolute grams and per calorie.
Dietary fiber for gut health, satiety and steadier blood sugar.
Fat quality — unsaturated vs saturated, and trans-fat free.
Polyphenols, flavonoids and other beneficial plant compounds for this food group.
Low sugar with a high fiber-to-carb ratio scores best — gentler on blood sugar.
- Vitamin C94% DV
- Iron9% DV
- Vitamin K7% DV
- Copper5% DV
- Riboflavin5% DV
Overview
Pimentos are small, heart-shaped peppers native to Central and South America, traditionally used in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines and commonly found as a stuffing in green olives. Despite their diminutive size, pimentos deliver concentrated nutritional value, particularly vitamin C at 85mg per 100g—comparable to larger bell peppers—along with significant potassium (158mg) and vitamin A. Their sweet, mild profile makes them more palatable than spicy peppers for those seeking capsicum's antioxidant benefits without heat. The predominant bioactive compounds include capsaicinoids (though in lower concentrations than hot peppers), carotenoids, and flavonoids, all of which support cardiovascular health and reduce oxidative stress. For longevity, pimentos offer a calorie-efficient way to boost micronutrient intake while providing fiber (1.9g per 100g) to support digestive health. Their low sodium and rich potassium content also support healthy blood pressure regulation. Fresh or roasted pimentos retain their nutrient profile well, making them versatile additions to varied dietary patterns.
Health Benefits (5)
- Supports cardiovascular health through blood pressure regulationstrongHigh potassium (158mg/100g) and low sodium ratio promote vasodilation and counteract sodium-induced hypertension, while vitamin C strengthens blood vessel integrity
- Enhances immune function and reduces inflammationstrongVitamin C (85mg/100g) is essential for immune cell synthesis and function, while carotenoids and flavonoids provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Supports eye health and vision longevitymoderateCarotenoids including lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in retinal tissue and protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts
- Promotes bone health through multiple micronutrientsmoderateVitamin K (8.3mcg), calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus work synergistically to support bone mineralization and prevent osteoporotic decline
- Supports cognitive function through antioxidant protectionemergingFlavonoids and carotenoids reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress implicated in age-related cognitive decline
Food Pairings
- ·Pair with olive oil because fat-soluble carotenoids require dietary fat for optimal absorption in the intestinal tract
- ·Combine with leafy greens because vitamin C enhances iron bioavailability from plant-based sources, improving overall iron status
- ·Serve with legumes because pimentos' vitamin C boosts absorption of plant-based iron while complementing protein intake
- ·Add to dishes with cruciferous vegetables because combined glucosinolates and flavonoids provide synergistic anti-inflammatory effects
Practical Tips
- ·Store fresh pimentos in the refrigerator's crisper drawer wrapped in paper towels for 1-2 weeks; they deteriorate faster than larger peppers due to higher surface-area-to-mass ratio
- ·Roast pimentos whole over an open flame or in a 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes, then cool in a covered bowl to steam the skin off for easier peeling—this concentrates sweet flavors and may increase carotenoid bioavailability
- ·Drain jarred pimentos canned in brine and rinse before use to reduce sodium intake, or select water-packed varieties when available
- ·Add fresh pimentos raw to salads or as antipasto to preserve maximum vitamin C content; heat degrades water-soluble vitamins over extended cooking
- ·Keep stuffed olives with pimento packing on hand as a convenient snack, though account for sodium content from brining in daily intake tracking
Optimal Timing
Pimentos contain no compounds requiring specific circadian timing and are beneficial throughout the day. Include in meals with dietary fat to maximize carotenoid absorption; no special timing constraints apply.
While pimentos are anytime-appropriate, consuming with fat-containing meals (breakfast with eggs, lunch salads with olive oil) optimizes micronutrient bioavailability rather than consuming alone on an empty stomach.
Systems supported
body systems this food feedsPathways supported
biochemical reactions enabled by this foodCompared to other vegetables
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower pimento is than the average across 137 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
What people ask about pimento
What is pimento?
Pimento is classified as a vegetable. Pimento is a small, sweet red pepper variety prized for its mild flavor and high vitamin C content, offering exceptional antioxidant and micronutrient density with minimal calories.
Is pimento healthy?
Pimento scores 90/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin K. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Is pimento high in protein?
Not particularly. A 85 g serving provides about 0.9 g of protein (~2% of the 50 g daily value).
Is pimento high in fiber?
Not really. A 85 g serving provides about 1.6 g of fiber (~6% of the 28 g daily value).
What vitamins and minerals are in pimento?
In a 85 g serving, pimento is highest in Vitamin C (~80% DV).
Is pimento keto-friendly?
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 85 g serving has about 2.7 g of net carbs (4.3 g total minus 1.6 g fiber).
When is the best time to eat pimento?
Best any time of day. Pimentos contain no compounds requiring specific circadian timing and are beneficial throughout the day. Include in meals with dietary fat to maximize carotenoid absorption; no special timing constraints apply.
How much pimento should I eat?
A typical serving is around 85 g (~20 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating pimento alongside several other vegetable sources.
What pairs well with pimento?
Pimento pairs nicely with: Pair with olive oil because fat-soluble carotenoids require dietary fat for optimal absorption in the intestinal tract; Combine with leafy greens because vitamin C enhances iron bioavailability from plant-based sources, improving overall iron status; Serve with legumes because pimentos' vitamin C boosts absorption of plant-based iron while complementing protein intake; Add to dishes with cruciferous vegetables because combined glucosinolates and flavonoids provide synergistic anti-inflammatory effects.
Supplements that mirror Pimento's nutrient profile
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients pimento contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
Signature nutrients in Pimento
These are the nutrients pimentocontributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.