Fans of "spicy cuisine" know very well what cayenne pepper is. Among the many varieties of hot peppers, cayenne is considered one of the most pungent. Despite its specific taste, it is very popular and in demand.
Instructions
Step 1
Cayenne pepper is a perennial shrub and belongs to the capsicum genus of the nightshade family. It resembles paprika, but its fruits are much smaller, have a more pronounced aroma and pungent taste.
Step 2
The homeland of cayenne pepper is South America, India and the island of Java. It owes its name to the port city of Cayenne in Guiana, which is located in South America. It also has other names: "chili", "Brazilian", "ancho", "Indian". Cayenne pepper is grown mainly in countries with a tropical climate: Vietnam, India, Brazil, Thailand and others.
Step 3
On sale, cayenne pepper can be found both dried and fresh. The dried fruit is often ground into a yellow or gray-yellow powder.
Step 4
When choosing cayenne pepper, remember that there are different varieties of this vegetable, which differ in aroma, taste, size and color of the fruit. The pungency of a pepper depends on the alkaloid content of capsaicin, which gives it a pungent taste. The more of this substance in the pulp and seeds of pepper, the more pungent the taste of the vegetable will be. Usually red chillies are hotter, and the smaller and thinner the shape of the pepper, the hotter it will be.
Step 5
When buying cayenne peppers, pay attention to the packaging. It should be an airtight container, preferably a glass one. Ideally, the color of the pepper should be bright, ranging from orange to red. The pallor of a pepper is one of the hallmarks of poor quality.
Step 6
Cayenne pepper is most widely used in cooking (fresh, dry, or ground). Most often, it acts as a spice to add flavor and pungency to dishes. Chili peppers are found in a wide variety of sauces, the most famous of which are ketchup and curry.
Step 7
It goes well with vegetables, fish, cereals and other dishes. Cooking sausages and many other meat dishes is indispensable without cayenne pepper. Whole pods are often put into borscht and soups during cooking, and removed before serving. In combination with basil, garlic and coriander, ground cayenne pepper gives mashed potatoes a special spicy taste.
Step 8
In addition, cayenne pepper is very actively used in traditional medicine. Moderate consumption of chili peppers improves appetite and has a tonic effect on the body. Cayenne pepper has antibacterial properties, enhances metabolism, and has a positive effect on the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. It also helps cleanse the arteries, helping the body get rid of bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
Step 9
Chili peppers are medicinally used to treat sore muscles and joints. For example, in the manufacture of plasters.
