Uses
- Cooking: Used in a variety of dishes, from curries to stews, to add flavor and heat.
- Salsas and Sauces: Essential in making fresh salsas and spicy sauces.
- Pickling: Often pickled to preserve flavor and add spice to meals.
- Garnishing: Used as a garnish for a pop of color and flavor in salads and entrees.
- Seasoning: Ground into powder to season dishes, or used in spice blends.
Nutritional Benefits
- Vitamins: High in vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and skin health.
- Antioxidants: Contains capsaicin, an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation.
- Metabolism Boost: Capsaicin may help boost metabolism and aid in weight management.
- Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that capsaicin may have anti-cancer properties.
- Heart Health: May contribute to heart health by improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure.
Storage
Store fresh chili peppers in the refrigerator's vegetable crisper to maintain their freshness. They can last up to a week when stored properly. Dried chili peppers should be kept in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to preserve their flavor and potency. Ground chili powder should also be stored in an airtight container away from light and heat.
