– ½ teaspoon cayenne
Cayenne is rich in capsaicin and vitamin C, with modest amounts of vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. It is essentially calorie-free when used in small quantities as a spice.
About
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum var. longum) is a hot chili pepper native to Central and South America, now cultivated worldwide. The ingredient commonly referred to as cayenne is the dried and finely ground powder of these elongated, thin-walled peppers. Characterized by a bright red color and intense pungency ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), cayenne powder contains the alkaloid compound capsaicin, which produces the characteristic burning sensation. The flavor profile combines sharp, fruity notes with significant heat, and it is often used in its powdered form rather than as whole dried peppers.
Culinary Uses
Cayenne powder is a staple in Caribbean, Latin American, African, and Asian cuisines, commonly used as a finishing spice to add heat and depth to both savory and sweet dishes. It appears in gumbo, chili, curries, seasoning rubs for meats, and egg dishes; it is also incorporated into spice blends such as paprika-based mixtures and hot sauces. In smaller quantities, cayenne enhances the perception of other flavors without overwhelming dishes. It pairs particularly well with proteins, root vegetables, and tomato-based preparations, and is often combined with garlic, cumin, and citrus for compound flavor development.