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ds cayenne pepper

Herbs & SpicesYear-round. Cayenne peppers are dried and ground into a shelf-stable powder, making the spice available continuously regardless of fresh pepper harvest seasons.

Cayenne pepper is rich in capsaicin and vitamin A, with smaller amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. It contains bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.

About

Cayenne pepper is a hot chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) native to Central and South America, named after the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. The dried, ground form produces a fine reddish-orange powder that ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units. Cayenne peppers are elongated, tapered fruits that ripen from green to deep red, with thin walls and a moderately hot, fruity flavor profile. The spice contains capsaicin, the compound responsible for its characteristic heat and pungency.

Culinary Uses

Cayenne pepper is a foundational spice in cuisines worldwide, particularly in Creole, Cajun, Indian, Thai, and Mexican cooking. It seasons soups, stews, curries, and rice dishes, and provides heat to hot sauces, spice rubs, and marinades. In Western cooking, it appears in deviled eggs, shellfish preparations, and cheese-based dishes. A light hand is recommended as its heat intensifies during cooking; it pairs well with garlic, cumin, and cinnamon. Cayenne's warmth complements both savory and sweet applications, including chocolate-based moles and spiced desserts.