About Mama Lil's

Yes, there was a Mama Lil and her recipe is still in use today. When Lil's son, Howard, left Youngstown for college in Seattle, Lil's pepper packages were devoured on pizza, sandwiches, and just about everything else! After learning that the peppers grew well in the Yakima Valley, Howard made the first batch of Mama Lil's peppers in a church basement kitchen in 1992. As popularity grew Mama Lil's Peppers made their way to grocery shelves (including Whole Foods) and developed a robust food service presence at many of Seattle's premium places for pizza, pasta, burgers and sandwiches. We're proud and grateful that from the very beginning restaurants and delis use Mama Lil's name on the menu. While you’ll find Mama Lil’s name proudly listed on menus nationwide and suggested in recipes across social media, once you’ve tried Mama Lil’s you’ll easily elevate your day-to-day cuisine. It’s simple to add our peppers to pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, eggs, and all your family favorites! Our original Mildly Spicy Peppers in Oil has a rich flavor and tangy overtones. The oil is perfect for aioli, dressings, marinades and roasting veggies. Mama Lil’s Sweet Hot Peppas in Brine offer a bright, sweet heat to complement richer meats and salads. Our Pickled Asparagini and Lilibeans dress up charcuterie boards, cheese plates and make a Bloody Mary a complete meal. You’ll love the Peppalilli (mustard chow chow) and Bread & Butter Pickles and Peppers to jazz up sandwiches and burgers. Read their story