Entry 37: Bouquets of Red, Hot Chilli Peppers - Nu Mazzu di Pipi Russi Bruscenti
- Basilia Staltari
- Apr 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 27
Location: Calabria, Italy
Date: Mid to end of 1940’s
Among this group of wedding guests, Salvatore Moschilla stands, grasping his cap with both hands. Although the photograph is slightly blurry, the distinctive white streak in his hair remains noticeable. His wife Concetta stands next to him, holding their youngest child. As no exact date has been established for when the marriage of their friends took place - and also because Concetta had her children in quick succession – it’s difficult to determine if the child in her arms is son Andrea or daughter Giuseppina. On the far right, easier to identify, are their eldest children: Giovanni, standing barefoot with hands resting on his shorts; and Angelina, slightly behind her brother, dressed in a blouse and skirt. Absent from the photo, but running around and playing somewhere nearby, are their other daughters: Maria, Cecilia, Girolama and Rosa.
The guests assembled in front of Salvatore and Concetta’s home at Contrada Monaco to have the photograph taken; and by doing so, their cottage has been captured in the background. Notable, are two bunches of hot chilli peppers known as ‘pipi bruscenti’ – appropriately named to indicate their intense heat. One bunch is hanging over the doorway, and a second larger bunch, is positioned in front of the cottage wall.
Concetta used a needle and strong linen thread to stitch each freshly picked ‘pipi bruscenti’ into long strands known as ‘resti di pipi’. Numerous strands were then bunched together to form a vibrant, fiery red bouquet, which was hung outdoors in a sunny location. Once dehydrated, the naturally preserved chilli peppers were ground into flakes and stored for use throughout the year. Whether eaten raw or cooked, ‘pipi bruscenti’ enhanced many recipes by adding an extra kick of heat to dishes causing a pleasant tingle to taste buds (pleasant, that is, only for those accustomed to them!). This home grown ingredient, along with olive oil and flour, was an essential staple and always available in Concetta’s kitchen:
‘Nta casa da Cuncia, i pipi bruscenti no cci mancavunu mai.’
When Salvatore and Concetta immigrated to Australia, nothing changed; chilli peppers remained a popular ingredient to accompany meals. Sinking roots into foreign soil far from Siderno, the plants adapted well to the new environment, enabling their significance as a food to continue to thrive. At mealtimes, when the table was set, 'pipi bruscenti' found their place alongside the cutlery, glasses and napkins.
Eventually, the status of red chillies as a popular vegetable evolved beyond the kitchen to become a powerful cultural symbol representing Calabria. Today, its ongoing influence is visible in the lives of descendants in many varied ways:
Traditional - chilli peppers are still growing in gardens; ‘resti di pipi’ are still dangling in the sunshine; jars of chilli flakes can still be found in pantries.
Iconic - a sentimental ornament displayed on a shelf; a chilli keyring to ward off 'malocchiu' and keep you protected; a good luck charm attached to a bracelet; a gold pendant hanging on a necklace.
Regardless of the form, the presence of ‘pipi bruscenti’ continues to reflect an ancient heritage originating in Calabria.
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