If you are one of those enthusiasts who don’t mind spicy food, then this chili article is just for you!
In it you will learn all the important information, thanks to which you will be able to enjoy your spicy dishes a little more!
Find out what types of peppers we know, how they can be grown and, most importantly, what dishes we can add them to!
What is chili pepper?
The most common is a red-colored mixture of powdered spices. This mixture consists of a little cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic powder, oregano and paprika and is most often added to the well-known Mexican dish chili con carne.
The spiciness of this spice blend varies depending on the ratio of the spices mixed in, but is always much lower than pure ground chili peppers.
What does chili pepper taste like?
The seasoning can be mild to moderately spicy depending on how much cayenne pepper is in the mix. It also depends on what kind of peppers are used in the mixture, for example, dark varieties of peppers will give the mixture a more smoky and slightly sweet taste, while green peppers tend to have more acidity.
Chili vs. Cayenne pepper
A spice sold as cayenne pepper is simply ground cayenne pepper and is not a substitute for chili. Ground cayenne pepper is eight times hotter than chili. So definitely don’t substitute an equal ratio of cayenne pepper for chili in recipes. Poud yes, you won’t make this mistake twice.
Health benefits of chili
It helps with digestion
The spice speeds up digestion and relieves problems like constipation and flatulence. It also reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in the intestines and keeps the intestines healthy
Regulates blood pressure
Red chili peppers are high in potassium, as are their spices. Potassium dilates blood vessels and helps keep blood pressure in balance. It also contains capsaicin, which improves blood circulation.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Capsaicin also has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it reduces inflammation and pain, especially in muscles and joints.
It helps in losing weight
Capsaicin also reduces appetite and speeds up fat burning by boosting metabolism.
Improves skin and hair health
The spice mix contains both vitamin C and vitamin A, which are important sources for healthy and hydrated hair and skin.
How to grow chili peppers?
Plants are relatively easy to maintain. And if you want your own fresh chilies, you can start growing them yourself at home and eventually make your own spices.
- Plant seeds after the last frost when the soil is warm and dry.
- Plants need lots of sunlight (at least 6-8 hours) to thrive.
- Water the plants regularly, but do not overwater. Even 3 cm of moist soil will be enough for the plant.
- Peppers need well-drained and well-drained soil.
- The ideal temperature for growing peppers is between 20 – 30 degrees.
- If your peppers are ripe, cut them off with scissors. Avoid tearing the peppers from the stems as this can damage the plant.
Types of chili peppers
It is difficult to say exactly how many varieties of these hot peppers there are. There are estimates that say there are somewhere between 2,000 and 4,000 species. But new varieties are constantly being developed, usually in an effort to create the hottest type possible.
The heat of peppers is measured using the Scoville scale (SHU), which was created in 1912 to measure heat and pungency. The higher the paprika value, the hotter it is!
| A type of pepper | Burning heat (SHU) | Use in the kitchen |
| Padrón | 500-2,500 | Fry them in oil until blistered and serve as part of tapas. This way the patrons get a distinct taste, with pleasant sweetness and nutty notes |
| Jalapeño | 2,500-8,000 | Raw green peppers, they are slightly hot, but have a bright, fresh taste. As they ripen, they become sweeter and less hot. Use peppers in salads, on grilled cheese, on pizza, in hot dogs and hamburgers, and of course in nachos |
| Serrano | 10,000-23,000 | Chop them into salsa, pico de gallo and other dips |
| Cayenne peppers | 30,000-50,000 | They are most often ground into spice mixtures, which are then used to flavor spreads and barbecue marinades |
| Tabasco | 30,000-50,000 | They are best for making homemade sauces or for grinding into pure chili powder |
| Bird’s eye chili | 50,000-100,000 | If you cook Asian cuisine, these should be your favorite chili peppers |
| Piri Piri (or Peri Peri) | 50,000-175,000 | It is excellent with chicken and pork |
| Scotch Bonnet | 100,000-350,000 | The taste is very fruity and sweet, so they are ideal for all kinds of sauces. Use them with chicken and pork |
| Habanero | 100,000-350,000 | You can use them to make hot sauces or spicy salsa. Add it to fruit chutney |
| Ghost Pepper | 1,000,000+ | The burning intensity can increase up to 15 minutes. Use to flavor sauces and stews or Indian dishes |
| Carolina Reaper | 1,400,000- 2,200,000 | You can grind it into a powder and add it to spreads or sauces and marinades. Always wear gloves when handling peppers this hot |
In which recipes should chili spices be used?
- Chili con carne
- Beans with minced meat
- Marinades – learn how to properly marinate thanks to our article
- Meat balls
- Baked foods
- Sprinkle it on popcorn – you can learn more about popcorn in our article
- Tacos – Try these delicious taco recipes
- Enchiladas
- Stew
- Soups
- Baked chickpeas – try one of these 4 chickpea recipes
What to replace chili spices with?
If you don’t have a spice mix, you can substitute it with a combination of cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
A typical mixture includes two or three parts ground cumin, two parts garlic powder, and one part cayenne pepper, paprika, and ground oregano.
Storage
Store chili spices in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Properly stored spices can last up to three years, but the flavor will begin to fade over time.
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