Red bird pepper - Pili-Pili

What is the hot chilli pepper pili-pili?

Thepili-pili is a variety of red chilli pepper. Beware of its small size, it is a powerful chilli pepper that will surprise more than one. If you can't stand the spicy flavours, it's best to pass your way. Also called piri-piri, bird's tongue or ndongo, the pili-pili hot pepper is cultivated in different countries, especially in Madagascar, a country known mainly for its excellent vanilla. It was the Portuguese, Dutch and Spanish conquerors who crossed the planet, introducing the whole world to chilli pepper. However, the cultivation of pili-pili pepper has remained the prerogative of Africa.

What is the flavour of pili-pili chilli pepper?

The pili-pili chilli pepper is aptly named. It has a strength of 8/10 on the Scoville Scale, a scale that determines the strength of chillies. It is therefore a hot chilli pepper. For comparison, the Espelette chilli pepper is at 4 on this scale while the Cayenne chilli pepper is at 8. Beyond its strength, this spicy spice has notes of pepper and dried tomato.

The harvest of the hot chilli pepper pili-pili in the plantations

The pili-pili plant belongs to the species Capsicum frutescens. Small in size, it reaches about 80 cm. It produces small fruits that are picked when they turn bright red. If it can be eaten fresh, the chilli pepper that I offer you is dried in the sun.

How to use pili-pili chilli pepper in cooking?

You have to be a real hot pepper lover to eat pili-pili. Sensitive souls should abstain. When you think of this chilli pepper, you can immediately imagine a magnificent chilli oil to decorate pizzas. Just put pili-pili in olive oil and let the flavours of this chilli pepper spread. You can add some herbs to flavor your preparation (basil, thyme, laurel), but also a little garlic. As an aperitif, you can make a sauce with hot chilli pepper pili-pili with shallots, honey to sweeten a little, soy sauce and olive oil. This sauce will accompany tortilla chips. In a ratatouille, if you like spicy dishes, pili-pili hot pepper will find its place. Be careful with the dosage, put very little and taste it first.

The virtues for the health of the hot chilli pepper pili-pili

Chili pepper is a real health asset. If some people can't eat it because of its power, especially that of the hot chilli pepper pili-pili, it is clear that chilli pepper is extremely healthy. It contains capsaicin, a chemical compound responsible for its strength. This one allows to transform bad fats into good fats, it is thus a perfect ally slimming. Eating pili-pili allows you to absorb vitamins. It is indeed rich in vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B6. Thus, it contributes to bone health, plays a preventive role in the development of cardiovascular disease and strengthens the immune system. Chilli is also rich in trace elements.

The conservation of chilli pepper pili-pili

My pili-pili chilli pepper comes in an airtight resealable bag. Keep it away from light and humidity to preserve its taste and virtues.