Various Uses of Cayenne Pepper

Peppers are the spice of life and hit the spot every time. Many dishes, including curries and casseroles benefit from a dash of cayenne pepper. Cayenne is part of the chili or capsicum family, which also incorporates jalapenos and paprika etc.   The red pepper can be used whole or as a ground powder. It's also an ingredient in some herbal supplements and has been used for medicinal reasons for hundreds of years. Nicholas Culpeper, who promoted herbalism in England in the 17th century, included it in his recommendations. People have used it for stomach ailments, digestive problems and to improve blood circulation. Sufferers from arthritis and rheumatism rub it on the skin. There is a chemical in cayenne, which eases itching, and pain.

Originating from Cayenne, a city in French Guiana in South America, it now grows in Africa, Mexico, India, China, Japan and Louisiana. Christopher Columbus was responsible for introducing cayenne pepper into Europe.

It should be stored in a sealed jar in order to keep all the flavor in, and out of the sunlight.  It's one of the hottest peppers, as anyone who has touched their eyes or mouth after handling it, will testify. Cooks should be careful to avoid burns. It's actually an ingredient in curry powder. When cooking with cayenne pepper, add gradual amounts until you think it's spicy enough for your taste. You can add more but you can't take it out! Pepper which has been kept in the freezer will be even hotter as a result.

Chinese Szechwan, Middle Eastern and Mexican dishes make good use of peppers. Mexicans even like to put some in their cocoa. Tomato sauce for Italian pasta dishes is good with a bit of cayenne. Some people add cayenne and lemon juice to dark vegetables, such as kale. Even a humble can of beans can be improved with cayenne pepper. Soups and marinades for meat are tastier when spiced up. You can add cayenne to salad dressings, Spanish omelets, tartar sauce, taco, enchilada sauce, salsa and avocado dip. If you're throwing a dinner party, make sure everyone likes really spicy food. They may prefer a pepper, which is milder, or no peppers at all. For a lot of people however, life without hot spice would be very dull indeed and some foods would be somewhat bland. All that flavor and it's good for you too. A few red peppers also make dishes more colorful.