cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper

A large red cayenne
Heat	Hot
Scoville rating	30,000 – 50,000

The cayenne pepper—also known as the Guinea spice,^[1] cow-horn pepper, aleva, bird pepper,^[2] or, especially in its powdered form, red pepper—is a red, hot chili pepper used to flavour dishes. Named for the city of Cayenne in French Guiana, it is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum related to bell peppers, jalapeños, and others. The Capsicum genus is in the nightshade family (Solanaceae).

The fruits are generally dried and ground, or pulped and baked into cakes, which are then ground and sifted to make the powdered spice of the same name.

Cayenne is used in cooking spicy dishes, as a powder or in its whole form (such as in Korean, Sichuan and other Asian cuisine), or in a thin, vinegar-based sauce. It is generally rated at 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units. It is also used as a herbal supplement, and was mentioned by Nicholas Culpeper in his 17th century book Complete Herbal.^[1]

Cultivation

Most cultivated varieties of cayenne, Capsicum annuum, can be grown in a variety of locations and need approximately 100 days to mature. Peppers prefer warm, moist, nutrient-rich soil in a warm climate. The plants grow to about 2–4 feet (0.6–1 metre) in height and should be spaced 3 ft (1 m) apart.^[3]

Chilis are mostly perennial in sub-tropical and tropical regions; however, they are usually grown as annuals in temperate climates. They can be overwintered if protected from frost, and require some pruning.^[4]

Nutrition

Cayenne pepper, by weight, is relatively high in vitamin A. It also contains vitamin B₆, vitamin E, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium and manganese.^[5] However, given the very small amount of cayenne pepper typically consumed in a serving, it makes a negligible contribution to overall dietary intake of these nutrients. Cayenne pepper is also claimed to be a male aphrodisiac because it contains capsaicin which can increase blood flow to all parts of the human body. ^[6] It is known in many cultures to be a potent libido enhancing aid^{[according to whom?]} that increases endorphins in the bloodstream^{[citation needed]}.

In cuisine

Cayenne peppers used during the marination of chicken

Cayenne is a popular spice in a variety of cuisines. It is employed variously in its fresh form, dried and powdered, and as dried flakes. It is also a key ingredient in a variety of hot sauces, particularly those employing vinegar as a preservative. Cayenne pepper is often spread on sandwiches or similar items to add a spicy flavor. Buffalo-wing sauce contains Cayenne pepper.

In beverages

Beverage products are emerging with cayenne-pepper extract, capsaicin, as an active ingredient.^[7][8]

See also

• Chili pepper
• Sialagogue
• List of capsicum cultivars

References and notes

Further reading

• Nutrient Data Laboratory et al. "99369: Peppers, cayenne, raw (Capsicum annuum)". USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods (2.1 ed.). p. 68 (PDF p. 3). http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/Flav/Flav02-1.pdf. Retrieved 2011-07-13. 

External links

• How spicy foods can kill cancers – BBC News