Cayenne Pepper

Guide Note

Cayenne Pepper, also know as chili peppers, comes from the Capsicum annuum species. Cayenne peppers are usually dried and ground and used in preparing spicy, hot dishes. India, China and Pakistan are the major producers of cayenne peppers. Cayenne pepper is traditionally used in Mexican and Italian recipes.

Cayenne peppers where named after the city of Cayenne, French Guiana. Cayenne peppers have been noted in history for thousands of years in central and South America but they were not introduced to the rest of the world till the 15th and 16th centuries. Christopher Columbus brought them back to Europe where they were used as a substitute for black pepper.

Fast Facts

1. In the nightshade family
2. Related to Jalapenos
3. In cooking, the powdered form is often used
4. Has very little aroma
5. Available year round
6. Used in weight loss
7. Used for medicinal purposes for centuries
8. Capsaicin, which is found in cayenne peppers, is used in pepper spray
9. Can grow in a variety of locations
10. Need 100 days to mature

There are several health benefits to eating cayenne peppers. Cayenne peppers are used to help fight inflammation, pain relief, and provide cardiovascular benefits. You can also clear congestion with cayenne peppers and help boost your immunity. The use of cayenne peppers has been associated with reducing the risks of stomach ulcers.