Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne Pepper delivers a hot, fiery kick to your dishes. Perfect for soups, stews, salsas, and meat dishes, it’s a key ingredient in spicy cuisines around the world. Rich in capsaicin, cayenne pepper is also known for its metabolism-boosting and pain-relieving properties.

Packaging: 4 oz Shaker Mason Jar

History: Cayenne Pepper is made from dried chili peppers native to the Americas. It has been used for centuries in both cooking and medicine, known for its spicy heat and therapeutic benefits, particularly in promoting circulation and digestion.

Tasting Notes:
Cayenne pepper delivers a sharp, intense heat with a subtle fruity undertone. Its fiery, pungent flavor adds an exciting kick to dishes, ranging from mildly spicy to incredibly hot, depending on the amount used. It’s known for its bright, vibrant heat that quickly elevates the flavor profile of a variety of recipes.

Aroma:
The aroma of cayenne pepper is bold, sharp, and slightly smoky, with a potent, peppery scent that fills the air when used in cooking. Its fragrance is a warning of the heat it brings, offering a fiery warmth that adds depth and intensity to dishes.

Characteristics:
Cayenne pepper is made by drying and finely grinding red chili peppers, typically from the Capsicum annuum species. The bright red powder is finely textured and intensely pungent, with a heat level that can range from moderately spicy to intensely hot, depending on the variety of peppers used. The spice is rich in capsaicin, which gives it its characteristic heat.

Perfect Pairings:
Cayenne pepper pairs well with garlic, cumin, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and oregano. It complements a wide range of ingredients, such as tomatoes, citrus, and honey, and is often used in spice blends like chili powder, hot sauces, and Cajun seasoning. It’s perfect for adding heat to meats, vegetables, beans, rice, soups, stews, and even some sweet dishes.

Substitutions:
If you don’t have cayenne pepper, you can substitute with other hot chili powders, such as red pepper flakes, chili powder, or paprika with a pinch of extra heat from black pepper or chili flakes. Keep in mind that these substitutes will alter the flavor profile slightly, so adjust accordingly based on your desired heat level.

Ideal Uses:
Cayenne pepper is perfect for adding spice to curries, chili, sauces, and soups. It’s commonly used in marinades, dry rubs, and spice blends for meats, poultry, and seafood. Cayenne can also be sprinkled on roasted vegetables, eggs, or even popcorn for a fiery kick. For a bit of sweetness and heat, it can be combined with honey in sauces or glazes for meats and wings.

Processing Method:
Cayenne pepper is made by drying and grinding the flesh of cayenne chili peppers into a fine powder. The heat of the pepper comes from the compound capsaicin, which is concentrated in the seeds and veins of the pepper. The drying and grinding process preserves its fiery intensity, making it a long-lasting and versatile spice.

Botanical Name:
Capsicum annuum – Cayenne pepper is made from the red chili peppers of the Capsicum annuum species. These peppers are native to Central and South America but are now widely cultivated and used around the world for their intense heat and distinctive flavor.