Cayenne Chile, Hot

A wonderfully fresh version of the common chile, our hot cayenne chile is used in everything from curries to chutneys. This is a clean heat that can intensify flavors much like salt or lemon. An interesting twist is to dust this over papaya or mango in the Caribbean tradition. The African source of the cayenne creates a classic flavor profile but with more than double the heat of the Indian. A must for Cajun and Creole dishes.

Brief History

Named after the city of Cayenne in French Guiana, this chile pepper has roots in South America, where it was cultivated for centuries by indigenous peoples. After the arrival of European explorers, cayenne peppers spread rapidly across Europe and Asia, finding a permanent place in the kitchens of countries such as India, China, and Thailand.

Cayenne peppers are a bright red variety of Capsicum annuum, prized for their intense heat and versatility.  They are typically dried and ground into a fine powder, known as cayenne pepper, which has become a pantry essential for home cooks and chefs alike.  The powder has a sharp, piquant heat that stimulates the taste buds without numbing them, which is why it works so well in a variety of cuisines. They are considerably spicier than other chiles like jalapeños but not as fiery as habaneros.

Heat Profile

Traditionally, the hotness of foods is measured on the scale of Scoville heat units, or SHU’s.  Cayenne Chile peppers typically range from 30,000 SHU’s to 50,000 SHU’s!  When you compare that to a traditional jalapeno, which is usually around 5,000 SHU’s, that is some significant heat that this pepper is bringing!

Uses

Ways to use this spice is buying it already in powder form and sprinkling it in pasta dishes or chilies, as well as what was mentioned above.  If you buy the red pepper flakes, which are also very popular at pizzerias and Italian eateries, this can be sprinkled on salads, or pizzas, or plates of pasta!  This spice has also been making a comeback in Asian cuisine to add a kick.  Or make fresh salsa and add some for some extra heat.  The possibilities are endless.

Cayenne chile is a key component in many spice blends, including Cajun, Creole, and Mexican seasonings. It brings heat to classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and chili con carne. A dash of cayenne also spices up curries, soups, and stews. It’s often used in barbecue rubs and marinades, lending a fiery edge to grilled meats like ribs and chicken wings. Cayenne also works wonders in unexpected places—many bakers add a pinch to hot chocolate or brownies to enhance the sweetness with a subtle heat.

Health Benefits

Cayenne Chile has grown in popularity over the years because of the health benefits that come from taking this spice.  People have been encapsulating cayenne pepper to ingest, or mixing it with lemon juice and drinking it.  Either way, the compound that gives these spicey Chiles their heat is called capsaicin.  This compound is known to be a pain reliever as well as an appetite suppressant.  The appetite suppressant part is why it became so popular with a lot of dieters.

Spice Station Offers the Best Cayenne and More

Looking to bring the bold flavor of hot cayenne to your kitchen? Spice Station offers the finest cayenne chile, along with an extensive selection of high quality herbs and spices to elevate any dish. Whether you’re experimenting with fiery new recipes or looking to restock your pantry, you’ll find everything you need at Spice Station.

Our hot cayenne chile will delight your palate, start your order by clicking Add To Cart! We also have mild and extra hot to choose from! Visit our Spice Station Shop today.