Information on Cayenne Pepper

Red bird pepper, cockspur pepper, goat's pepper, African pepper and hot flame all have one thing in common: they are nicknames for capsicum. The common name is cayenne pepper. In colors red, orange or yellow, this herb is ingested either raw or cooked. Dried peppers are crushed into powder. Hot cayenne powder is available year-round to give your taste buds a jolt. It is sure to step up any simmering sauté.

History

Cayenne pepper has been used in the Central and South American region for more than 7,000 years. Its first use was as decorative items, rather than a food enhancer. Its hot and spicy flavor was then added to food and the natives believed it had medicinal purposes. Cayenne pepper was unknown to Europe before the 15th and 16th centuries. The Europeans then used cayenne pepper as a cheaper alternate for black pepper, since black pepper had to be imported from Asia. The explorer Magellan introduced cayenne to Asia and Africa which made these chilies a global commodity. The cultivation of this herb was formulated in the town of Cayenne, French Guiana on the northeast coast of South America, hence the name.

The Plant

The cayenne plant, with a maximum height of 4 feet, is considered a shrub. The plant's appearance is shiny is with green leaves. Its flowers eventually become long pepper pods. The pods will change from green to a reddish color and that is the portion that provides the pungent and spicy flavor when used in cooking.

Nutritional Properties

Cayenne peppers have a high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. They also are a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber.

Medicinal Properties

Research is being conducted in tying cayenne pepper to weight loss. The heat generated in the body (thermo genesis) after eating cayenne pepper releases energy, thus burns off calories at a faster rate. Capsaicin, an ingredient of cayenne, helps ease inflammation. Cayenne pepper is also used to treat headaches and osteoarthritis pain.

Serving Ideas

Raise traditional recipes up a notch by adding a dash of cayenne pepper to most any food item. It can be used in more food recipes than just chili. Dips for vegetables, dressing for salads, barbecue sauce or meat marinade with a pinch of cayenne strikes a difference in the fare. Become Mexican by giving your hot chocolate the added spice with a dash cayenne pepper. Besides bringing a salt and pepper shaker to the table, a flavorful addition is one other filled with cayenne pepper powder. Varieties of cayenne powder are generally carried in most supermarkets and gourmet stores.

References

• Culinary Cafe
• Whole Foods
• Cayenne Pepper Info