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January 27, 2005
Cayenne Peppers
Cayenne peppers are hot peppers.
The easy-to-grow cayenne pepper, averaging 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, is an ideal container plant. It produces brilliantly colored, quite hot peppers, 4 to 6 inches in length that mature in 70 to 80 days. The cayenne pepper was originally grown in Central and South America, but was transfered to the Cayenne district of French Guiana. After colonization, the Portuguese introduced the pepper to Asia and it is now very popular in Indian and Indo-Chinese cooking, chutneys, curries and other hot dishes. It is also used frequently in Creole and Cajun dishes.'Charleston Hot' is considered the hottest cayenne at 70,000 to 100,000 Scoville Units. The 18-inch tall plant produces 4 to 5-inch long peppers that mature from light green to yellow to orange. They are great for drying.
Prenant or lactating women should avoid this pepper. Mature Cayenne peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, niacin, iron, and potassium. It is also valued for its soothing effects on the digestive system, relief from symptoms of colds, sore throats and fevers, and as a hangover remedy. Use one or two tablespoons in warm water for relief from these symptoms.
Cayenne can also be used externally as a remedy for painful joints and for frostbite. It stimulates blood flow to the affected area, thus reducing inflammation and discomfort. To make a liniment for external use, gently boil 1 tablespoon of Cayenne in 1 pint of cider vinegar. Do not strain, and bottle while hot.
Storing:
Store unwashed peppers in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Peppers will store for approximately 1 week. Use immediately if any discoloration or softening occurs.
If you’re just swamped with peppers, you can clean them, cut them in half, remove the seeds and ribs, and freeze them for a year.
Preparation:
Wash well in cool water.
Powder: Purchase red cayenne peppers and cut the stems off approximately half an inch from the top of the pepper. String them up immediately on a line to dry, or pull the entire plant and hang it in a well-ventilated place. Once dry, the peppers can be ground into powder with a food processor.
Qualities to Shop For:
Firmness
Smooth Skin
Free from defects such as wrinkles, cracks, decay, bruising, etc.
Solid color
Suggested Dishes for Peppers:
Chutney
Curry
Hot spice
Posted by Kelli Little at January 27, 2005 04:19 PM