Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper used to add heat and flavor to dishes. It's named after the city of Cayenne in French Guiana.

They're long, thin, and often red when mature. Considered moderately hot compared to other chili peppers, they fall somewhere between 30,000 and 50,000 on the Scoville Heat Unit scale, which measures the spiciness of chili peppers.

This puts them at a medium level of heat; they're hotter than jalapenos but not as fiery as habaneros. Cayenne pepper is loved for its ability to add a spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors in a dish. It's used in a variety of recipes, including: a dash of cayenne can spice up soups, stews, sauces, and marinades.

It's often used in spice rubs for meat or added to seafood dishes for extra heat. Cayenne can even be found in some drink recipes, like detox waters or even certain cocktails, for a spicy twist. It also offers several health benefits. It contains capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, which has been linked to various health effects.

Use it for pain relief: Capsaicin is used in topical creams for its pain-relieving properties. Boost your metabolism. Some studies suggest that capsaicin can slightly increase the amount of heat your body produces, thereby burning more calories. Support your digestive health. Despite its heat, cayenne pepper is believed to aid in digestion and help reduce ulcer risks.

While cayenne pepper can be a healthy addition to your diet, it's potent, and a little goes a long way. Those who are not used to spicy foods should start with a small amount to avoid discomfort. Additionally, handling fresh cayenne peppers, and even the powder, can irritate the skin or eyes, so it's wise to use caution.

Cayenne pepper is a moderately hot chili pepper that's used around the world to add spice and depth to dishes. Available primarily as a ground powder, it's easy to incorporate into a variety of recipes for those looking to add some heat to their meals.