Different Types of Hot Peppers

Are you the kind of person who believes that the hotter and spicier a food is, the better is tastes? If so, then you probably go crazy over hot peppers. There are many different types out there, with varying ranges of spiciness and some very different flavors. Knowing what different types of peppers add to a dish is something any cook should know. The following are just some types of hot peppers that you will find available.

Cayenne

These peppers come green or red, with red cayenne peppers being much hotter. They are often used in Cajun cooking.

Habanero

The habanero pepper is one of the hottest in the world. Though they have an apple-like flavor, even one bite can cause extreme pain to those not used to hot food.

Jalapeno

Jalapeno peppers are probably the most popular type of hot pepper. Use fresh jalapeno peppers to get them when they are spiciest, making them good additions to a number of recipes.

Serrano

If you are looking for a hotter substitute for the jalapeno, grab some serrano peppers. These are small peppers that change from green to red as they mature.

Cascabel

The cascabel pepper hails from Mexico and is usually found dried. Try toasting it before adding it to your food for a nutty flavor and a burst of spicy heat.