The name piquillo means "little beak". Traditionally piquillo peppers are grown in Northern Spain and are hand picked then roasted over open fires. The peppers are then peeled, all by hand then packed in jars or tins. The roasting of the pepper gives it a rich, spicy-sweet flavor.
Piquillo peppers are served stuffed as a "tappa" or included in soups as well as other dishes.