What is cayenne pepper?

Cayenne pepper belongs to the Capsicum annuum family as well as the Capsicum frutescens family. It is recognizable by its bright red colour and elongated shape. It is an annual perennial plant that is grown for its fruits.

Cayenne pepper appreciates rich, moist, but well-drained soils. Full sun exposure will promote the growth of the plant and the maturity of its fruits.

It is advisable to plant Capsicum annuum in the spring to avoid the last frosts. Ideally from March to June depending on the region.

Did you know that? Cayenne pepper scores 6 on the Scoville scale (30,000 Scoville units). This scale defines the degree of spiciness of spices by analyzing the capsaicin content

Harvesting cayenne pepper

The pepper is harvested about 5 months after planting. Usually at the end of the summer. The plant then reached its adult size, between 50 and 80 cm.

It is advisable to pick the peppers with gloves to avoid the risk of itching of the eyes caused by their sharp extracts. Cayenne pepper powder is made with the dried chillies that are ground.

David Vanille's choice: I selected this cayenne pepper powder for its strong spiciness and smoky aftertaste typical of hot peppers. Used sparingly, it spices up your dishes for the greatest pleasure of lovers of spicy cuisine.

The differences between paprika and chilli pepper

Pepper can be confused with paprika. It is true that paprika powder is made from dried paprika and chilli pepper. However, it is the spiciness that makes them different. The paprika being very sweet and the chilli pepper spicy.

The origins of cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is native to South America and takes its name from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. The first traces of this pepper date back several millennia. Some studies speak of -9,000 BC, others of -7,000 BC. Archaeologists have found them in former cave dwellings. Obviously, it was already being used as a condiment.

Also known as "Devil's Pepper" because of its location on Devil's Island, later known as a Guyanese open-air prison, it was imported into Europe in the 15th century during the colonization of South America by the Spanish. The Spanish and Portuguese used cayenne pepper as a substitute for black pepper.

Did you know that? Cayenne pepper is also known as "Devil's Pepper".

Cayenne pepper nowadays

Today, powdered cayenne pepper is a spice consumed worldwide. It is also found in some slimming treatments and cosmetics, as it helps to burn calories faster.

Other uses of cayenne pepper powder

Cayenne pepper has antioxidant properties and contains:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin E
• Potassium
• Manganese

Cayenne pepper is a spice that offers many benefits:

• Stimulates blood circulation
• Digestion aid
• Cures stomach aches and pains
• Reduces gas and bloating
• Reduces fever
• Acts on toothache

Cayenne pepper can also be applied to the skin with poultices, it would help to fight osteoarthritis among other things.

How to use cayenne pepper powder in cooking?

Cayenne pepper is one of the hottest spices. It develops an interesting smoky aroma. It is used to make tabasco, Sambal Oelek, but also pizza oil. It will spice up your marinades, woks, tomato sauces..

Did you know that? Cayenne pepper can be added as a complement to another spice without denaturing it. Only the spicy aspect will change the basic spice. That's why we find cayenne pepper in many spice blends: curry, massage...

Our recipe ideas with cayenne pepper

Want to spice up your recipes with my devil's pepper? In that case, here's a spicy menu to choose from!

The starter: Spicy Guacamole pancakes

This is a Mexican-inspired starter that can also be served as an aperitif. Make mini salty pancakes and let them cool. Prepare a guacamole by crushing the flesh of two avocados, add half a lemon juice, cumin, garlic, paprika and my cayenne pepper powder. Serve chilled with the pancakes.

The dish: Spaghetti with spicy Bolognese sauce

A traditional Italian recipe to which cayenne pepper powder is added to increase the palatability. Slice an onion and fry it in oil. Add ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Once the meat is cooked, add tomato crush, bay leaves, basil and paprika. Simmer for 1 hour. Add your cayenne pepper 15 minutes before the end of cooking.

Dessert: Chocolate chocolate cake with cayenne pepper

A dessert with character! Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper in your softening machine. Bake. You can sprinkle it sparingly over again once the cake has cooled.

How to store cayenne pepper?

Cayenne pepper powder can be kept dry and protected from light. We recommend that you use a sealed container. This will allow it to keep all its aromas and spiciness

Bonus: Did you put too much cayenne pepper powder in your dish? Some ingredients soften its spiciness. This is particularly the case for dairy products such as milk or yoghurt, but also for coconut milk.