A pimento is what type of vegetable?

A pimento is a type of pepper. Also called a pimiento or cherry pepper, it is a mild, usually red variety of chili pepper in the species Capsicum annuum.

Pimentos are known for their bright color, rounded heart-like shape, and very low heat. They are commonly diced and stuffed into green olives, blended into pimento cheese, or used in salads, sauces, and processed foods. Their flavor is sweet and gentle rather than fiery.

The word “vegetable” is correct in ordinary cooking and grocery-store usage, although botanically a pepper is a fruit because it develops from a flower and contains seeds. That botanical distinction often causes confusion in trivia questions, but “pepper” is the standard culinary answer. Pimento should also not be confused with pimento spice, which is another name for allspice.