
Cayenne pepper
The Cayenne Pepper is one of those sensational spices that bring a rush of saliva to your mouth. Apart from being used as a spice in cooking, this great spice is the king amongst the medicinal herbs as well, with some amazing health benefits.
Scientific and other common names
The scientific name for Cayenne pepper is Capsicum minimum or Capsicum fastigiatum. It is commonly known as the Red Chili powder, the Cow Horn Pepper, the Guinea spice, the Aleva or the Bird pepper.
On the Scoville Scale
The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) rating of the cayenne pepper is between 30,000 and 50,000 SHUs. This rating is quite tolerable, but it would definitely take a bit of time for you to get adjusted to this pepper. And once you get accustomed to this, you are up some delicious recipes using Cayenne Pepper.
Places where largely found
Its plants are now grown largely in India, East Africa, Mexico and the United States. It originated in South America, where its plants have been under cultivation since prehistoric times.
Preferred climate for cultivation
Most varieties of cayenne can be grown in a variety of locations and need approximately 100 days to mature. Cayenne, just like other peppers, prefer warm, moist, nutrient-rich soil in a warm climate so mostly sub-tropical and tropical regions; however, they can be grown annually in temperate climates also. They can be grown over winter if protected from frost, and require some pruning.
How to use Cayenne Pepper
It is to be sprinkled on bacon prior to frying and used in the dusting flour for fried chicken, fish and other vegetables.
Recipes using Cayenne Pepper
Having myriad uses in culinary, medicinal and antifungal categories, the Cayenne Pepper is a great pepper to be used. In cooking, it finds its use in almost all kinds of seafood items including oysters, trout, scallops, sardines, smoked salmon, lobster and crayfish.
It goes well with egg dishes such as omelet’s and soufflés as well. Also, it adds flavor to roasted, grilled, fried or stewed meats.
Again, it can be used in the making of cheese straws and biscuits, marinades, pickles, ketchups, chutneys and smoked foods. Being an important ingredient of Worcestershire sauce is also the privilege of this hot yet tasty spice.


