Cayenne Pepper

What Is Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a spice made by drying and grinding thin, long hot red peppers. It takes its name from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana; today it is one of the most widely used ground peppers for adding heat around the world.

It is considered medium-high on the Scoville heat scale and leaves a sharp, clean heat; this clearly distinguishes it from the sweeter, more neutral paprika.

Nutritional Values of Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains about 318 kcal, 12 g protein, and 27.2 g fiber per 100 grams; it is also notably rich in vitamin C. Since the amount used in a recipe (a pinch to a teaspoon) is small, its practical nutritional contribution is limited.

What Are the Benefits of Cayenne Pepper?

Various studies on metabolism and appetite have been conducted on the capsaicin compound found in cayenne pepper; these findings have not yet turned into a definitive health recommendation.

This information is general; cayenne pepper is a spice, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Cayenne Pepper?

Quality cayenne pepper should be vivid red, fine in texture, and sharply scented; a product that has dulled or turned brown has gone stale.

• The color should be bright red; dullness indicates aging.
• Sensing a sharp, distinct heat when smelled is a sign of freshness.
• Buying small packs and renewing them often provides more reliable freshness than a large pack.

How to Store Cayenne Pepper?

It can be stored for 2-3 years in a sealed jar, in a cool place away from light; absorbing moisture leads to both clumping and aroma loss.

Using Cayenne Pepper in the Kitchen

Cayenne pepper is added in small amounts to soups, sauces, marinades, and fried foods for heat; it can also be used in sweet recipes (e.g. chocolate) to create contrast.

What Is the Difference Between Cayenne Pepper and Pul Biber?

Cayenne pepper is a finely ground powder and generally gives sharper heat than pul biber; pul biber consists of coarsely crushed dried pepper pieces and leaves a more visible texture.

How Much Cayenne Pepper Should Be Used?

Due to its strong heat, it is usually started with an amount between a pinch and a teaspoon and increased to taste.

What Recipes Is Cayenne Pepper Used In?

Spicy chocolate desserts, Buffalo wing sauce, lentil soup, and various marinades are recipes in which cayenne pepper is frequently used.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hot is cayenne pepper?

It is generally considered to fall in the 30,000-50,000 unit range on the Scoville scale; this is a distinctly hotter level than pul biber and most ground red peppers.

Are cayenne pepper and ground red pepper the same?

No; "ground red pepper" is a general name that can cover different products from paprika to cayenne. Cayenne pepper is distinctly hotter among them.

In which dishes is cayenne pepper used?

It is used in spicy sauces, lentil and bean soups, marinades, and some sweet-spicy dessert recipes.

What can be used instead of cayenne pepper?

Pul biber or another hot ground pepper can provide a roughly similar heat; however, cayenne's sharp and clean heat may not be fully captured.

How should cayenne pepper be stored?

It should be stored in a sealed jar, in a cool place away from light; protecting it from moisture prevents both clumping and aroma loss.