This spicy chili belongs to the variety Capsicum frutescens and is also sold under the following names: Devil's pepper, pod pepper, red pepper, Spanish pepper, Indian pepper. Buy it in our Herbs and Spice shop.
What is it?
Cayenne pepper is not a pepper, but a chili variety. They are small, hot, ground chili pods from the plant family Capsicum frutescens. This chili is sharper than the genus Capsicum annuum. It is, as the name implies, the devil pepper and just right for those who like very hot and spicy flavor.
What makes it so hot?
Cayenne pepper is ground from whole chili pods, so many strong substances are in it. Capsaicin is a spicy substance found in the interior walls of the chili. It is a fat dissolving substance. If too much Cayenne is accidentally used, resort to a glass of milk rather than a glass of water for relief from the spice. The fat in the milk dissolves the capsaicin and alleviation approaches.
How does it taste?
The cayenne pepper of Orlandosidee has a red color and a fruity, pungent taste. Its smell is characteristic of chilli. You should be aware that cayenne pepper is about 20 times as hot as paprika and much less aromatic. Please be careful when seasoning.
Which regional kitchens use it a lot?
Indian, Indonesian, Mexican and Chinese regional kitchens use a lot of cayenne in their dishes. It is used to spice and sharpen the flavor of Chili con Carne and other Mexican dishes. Cayenne pepper also refines fish dishes, delicate fruity chutney or barbecue sauces for your barbecue.
Cayenne pepper is versatile. Try it on seafood, stews, soups, pizza or in a chocolate dessert. I love, for example, a creamy, spicy chocolate ice cream with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper plant belongs to the nightshade family and has its origin in the tropical middle and South America. It can reach a stature height of 1 m and bears greenish, white flowers which, depending on the degree of ripeness, first carry green then red or yellow pods.
What spices is Cayenne pepper suitable for?
Cayenne pepper goes well with all spices except black pepper. It is an ingredient in many spice blends and spicy curry powder and is also in the famous Tabasco sauce.
Extra tips
Caution: Cayenne pepper does not match with black pepper.
Please store cayenne pepper airtight, protected from the sun, in a cool and dry place.
Where does the spice come from?
The chili plant is a perennial, tropical plant and has a height of several meters. It originated in northern South America in Colombia, northern Brazil and Bolivia. It has been cultivated for over 7000 years.
