Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frutescens)
- Fruity and fiery-sharp taste
- Perfect for grill sauces and BBQ
- Enhances seafood, stews, soups, and pizza
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Cayenne Pepper, also known as Devil Pepper or Capsicum frutescens, is a fiery and spicy ground chili. You can find it in our Herbs and Spice Store. It originates from Mexico.
What is Cayenne Pepper?
Cayenne pepper is a chili variety, not an actual pepper. It consists of small, hot, ground chili pods from the Capsicum frutescens plant family. This chili is spicier than Capsicum annuum varieties and is perfect for those who enjoy a hot and spicy flavor.
What Makes It So Hot?
Cayenne pepper is made from whole chili pods. The spiciness comes from capsaicin, which is the pungent substance found in the interior walls of the chili. Capsaicin is a fat-dissolving compound. If you accidentally use too much cayenne pepper, drink a glass of milk instead of water for relief. The fat in milk helps dissolve capsaicin and provides relief.
How Does It Taste?
Devil's pepper has a red color and a fruity, pungent taste. It has a characteristic chili aroma. Please note that cayenne pepper is about 20 times hotter than paprika and has a less pronounced aroma. Exercise caution when seasoning with it.
Which Regional Cuisines Use Devil Pepper?
Cayenne pepper is widely used in Indian, Indonesian, Mexican, and Chinese cuisines. It adds spice and enhances the flavors of dishes such as Chili con Carne and other Mexican recipes. It also complements fish dishes, delicate fruity chutneys, and barbecue sauces for grilling.
Cayenne pepper is versatile and can be used in seafood, stews, soups, pizza, or even chocolate desserts. For example, it pairs well with spices like Cinnamon Ceylon, Turmeric, Ginger, black garlic, wild rosemary, and wild thyme. However, it does not go well with black pepper. It is an ingredient in many spice blends (Berbere, Cajun, Harissa, Tabil, Tsire, Tandoori Masala, Taboulé) and spicy curry powders. It is also used in the famous Tabasco sauce.
Extra Tips
Caution: Cayenne pepper does not pair well with black pepper.
Store cayenne pepper in an airtight container, protected from sunlight, in a cool and dry place.
Where Does the Spice Come From?
The chili plant is a perennial tropical plant that can reach several meters in height. It originates from northern South America, specifically Colombia, northern Brazil, and Bolivia. It has been cultivated for over 7,000 years in these regions.
