We distinguish hot fruits easily and simply - cayenne pepper and chili: what is the difference and how to use them

Pepper is a frequent guest in the diet of those people who like to add spice to the recipes of their favorite dishes. Two of its hot varieties are popular: cayenne and chili pepper.

To be able to distinguish them from each other, you should understand the botanical characteristics of these two varietal groups of pungent leguminous crops. The fruits are similar in appearance, but differ in taste and degree of pungency.

What is the difference between cayenne pepper and chili pepper

Uninitiated people usually call any variety of hot capsicum “chili”. This is a common misconception. There are different varieties of hot vegetable crops. They differ in the speed of ripening, external characteristics and pungency of taste.

Externally

A member of the nightshade genus was named cayenne in honor of the port where they were traded. This variety of spicy vegetable has other names: it is known as Indian or Brazilian pepper. Its unripe greenish fruits are called pepperoni.

There are many varieties of cayenne pepper that differ from each other in external characteristics. The fruits can have the shape of a cherry, olive, or heart. Color varies from green or yellow to dark red. The pods are small, their size does not exceed 1.5 cm.

Chile presents the species Capsicum anuum. It owes its name to the Aztecs, in whose language “chili” means “red” - its mature pods are that color.

Visually, the fruits of cayenne pepper and chili are similar. You can distinguish varietal groups from each other by the size of the peppercorns. In the Brazilian variety of spicy vegetables they are smaller.

Taste differences

You can distinguish one varietal group of hot peppers from another by the taste of the fruit.

Chili has a strong aroma. This variety group is characterized by a spicy, pungent taste with a high degree of pungency.

Cayenne pepper does not have its own unique taste. It is used in cooking exclusively to add spice to food.

Which one is sharper?

Adds spiciness to red hot pepper pods the substance they contain is capsaicin.

Using a special scale developed by the American scientist W. Scoville, the pungency of a vegetable crop is determined. The maximum degree of heat is observed in the Pepper X variety - 3,180,000 units, and the minimum (zero) - in the sweet Bulgarian.

The Cayenne varietal group has a heat index from 30,000 to 55,000 units. Chili peppers are less spicy in comparison. According to the Scoville scale, the pungency of its green fruits is in the range of 500-1500 units.

Interesting. Culinary experts say: the smaller the pod, the more pungent the taste.

Difference in composition and properties

Cayenne pepper and chili differ from each other in the substances they contain.

Cayenne fruits are characterized by a rich chemical composition. They contain a large amount of niacin, carotenoids, calcium, iron, magnesium, flavonoids, and essential oils.

Due to the beneficial substances contained in cayenne pepper, it is widely used for medicinal purposes. The use of this variety of spicy vegetable crop is indicated for:

• impaired metabolism;
• problems in the functioning of the circulatory system;
• low blood pressure;
• weakened vascular walls;
• tendency to thrombosis;
• impaired blood clotting.

Cayenne varieties are recommended to be used for cleansing the body, improving blood circulation. They help fight:

• heartburn;
• nausea;
• tremor;
• fever;
• migraine;
• fungal infection;
• flatulence;
• diphtheria;
• flu and colds;
• tonsillitis and sore throat;
• scarlet fever;
• gout;
• obesity.

Chili fruits are rich in vitamins: choline, beta-carotene, riboflavin, tocopherol, thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, phylloquinone. They contain large amounts of ascorbic, pantothenic and folic acids. This variety of spicy vegetable contains many useful microelements: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc.

Eating chili pods is good for health: they stimulate the digestive process, have a diaphoretic and warming effect on the body.

This type of spicy vegetable indicated for consumption by people suffering from:

• colds;
• sinusitis, frontal sinusitis;
• articular pathologies, radiculitis;
• obesity;
• hypotension.

Uses of cayenne pepper

Hot types of pepper, including cayenne, are used in various fields. The most widely used culture is in cooking.

Important! Hot peppers help prevent food spoilage.

The pods are in demand in the medical and cosmetology industries. This can be explained by the presence of specific compounds, vitamins, and dissolved micro- and macroelements in the fruit.

In cooking

Cayenne pepper is an important component of most exotic Oriental, Mexican and even African dishes.. It is used alone or in combination with other spices: it adds sharpness and piquancy.

Cayenne pepper gives an interesting taste to fish, meat, cheese, and vegetable dishes. Pairs with eggs, crayfish, beans, and chicken.

To give a special touch to a dish, culinary experts mix the pods with a small amount of vegetable oil. This combination will make the meat sauce much tastier.

When preparing fried foods, many cooks add hot seasoning to flour or crackers.

In folk medicine

Hot seasoning widely used in traditional medicine recipes:

1. To combat the flu at an early stage, mix 1/2 dessert spoon of chopped ginger and turmeric. Add ground pepper to the mixture at the tip of a knife. Spices are poured into milk with honey, brought to a boil and taken hot.
2. To cure bronchitis, take 1/4 dessert spoon of black and cayenne peppers, ground ginger, cardamom. Then add the composition to the milk and bring to a boil. It is recommended to drink the product hot on an empty stomach.
3. To cure joint pain, make a medicinal mixture for external use. The basis is ghee and hot seasoning powder. This recipe is also suitable for disinfecting skin lesions.

In cosmetology

Cayenne pepper is widely used in cosmetology. Powdered pungent pods are used in nourishing hair masks. They help solve the problem of hair loss and strengthen hair follicles. Masks with cayenne pepper can effectively restore damaged hair of any type.

Spicy vegetable crop used in the fight against cellulite. The pungent fruits serve as the main component of anti-cellulite ointments.They effectively break down fat deposits in problem areas of the body and relieve swelling.

Use of cosmetic products containing cayenne pepper requires prior consultation with a doctor. They can provoke an allergic reaction or aggravate the problem.

Read also:

How to choose a variety and properly grow indoor peppers

How to grow and care for ornamental capsicum peppers

What is good about the Ogonyok pepper variety and how to grow it correctly

Use of chili pepper

Due to its taste and beneficial properties, chili is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology and folk medicine.

In cooking

Ground chili has a unique taste, increases appetite, and improves the digestive process.

It is added to:

• meat dishes and poultry;
• vegetable stews, salads, soups;
• dry spicy mixtures;
• hot sauces, dressings, marinades;
• dishes made from eggs, rice, beans;
• fermented milk products.

Nutritionists recommend adding chili to cocktails for weight loss: it helps fight extra pounds, breaks down fats.

In folk medicine

Bitter chili peppers have found their use in folk medicine.

It is used to treat various diseases:

• for a cold, combine honey and crushed pepper in equal parts, take 1 tsp each. three times a day;
• to cure sore joints, chili peppers are poured with vodka 1:5, the tincture is kept in a dark place for a week, then the sore spots are wiped with the infusion;
• if menstruation is delayed, prepare a mixture - take 30 g of ground pepper for 250 g of vodka, leave for 14 days, take 10 drops three times a day.

In cosmetology

Ground chili pepper is used for cosmetic purposes.

He added to hair masks, included in anti-cellulite preparations: such products tone the skin, tighten it, eliminate the “orange peel”.

Harm and benefits of cayenne pepper

The medicinal and cosmetic properties of cayenne pepper make its fruits beneficial to health when used correctly.

Sharp pods can cause harm in some cases. There are a number of contraindications to their use:

• peptic ulcer;
• colitis;
• gastritis;
• tendency to allergies;
• individual intolerance to the product;
• epilepsy;
• hypertension;
• arrhythmia.

In the absence of contraindications eating cayenne pepper helps fight with many diseases, helps strengthen the immune system and increase appetite.

Harm and benefits of chili

Chili peppers may be harmful to human healthsuffering from peptic ulcers and other serious diseases of the digestive tract.

Burning fruits are not used externally for cosmetic and medicinal purposes if there are wounds on the skin. Avoid contact of products with chili pepper on mucous membranes.

Consumption of this type of vegetable requires moderation. In small quantities, it helps improve appetite and strengthen the immune system due to its high content of vitamins, in particular vitamin C.

Chili pepper is healthy those who suffer from excess weight. This product has anti-cancer properties. Its use has a beneficial effect on brain activity.

Differences in cultivation

Cayenne pepper and Chile are grown identically, according to the rules of agricultural technology of acute varieties this vegetable crop.

Both varietal groups require moist, light soil. They are equally light-loving. Open ground or individual pots are suitable for cultivation.In the second case, the plant will be small.

Attention! Cayenne pepper is not suitable for cultivation in open ground in the northern regions of the country. The vegetable crop will need to create greenhouse conditions.

To plant seedlings in open ground, choose a well-lit area. It is important to protect plants from drafts and direct rays of the sun.

On the eve of transplantation, the seedlings are hardened by taking them outside for several hours. Gradually, the time spent outdoors is increased. When the night temperature is +12°C or higher, the plants can be left outside all night. After hardening, they are transplanted into open ground. The soil should be light and loose.

Chili peppers have a hard time transplanting. Peat cups should be used for seedlings. This measure will protect the plants from stress when planted in open ground.

Chili peppers need light, nutritious soil, good lighting, a comfortable temperature range of +22...+26 °C and proper watering. The spice does not tolerate heat and stagnant moisture.

Popular varieties

Popular varieties of cayenne pepper:

• Gold;
• Caroline;
• Violet;
• Iberian;
• Indonesia;
• Turkish.

The most popular varieties of chili peppers:

• Habanero;
• Jalapeño;
• Serrano;
• Poblano;
• Pasilla;
• Anaheim.

Conclusion

Hot peppers of two varietal groups - cayenne and chili - are popular as a spicy seasoning. Their fruits are similar in appearance, but differ in size, degree of spiciness and flavor nuances.

Hot peppers are widely used not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine and cosmetology. We advise you to try adding a little spice to your usual recipes - perhaps new notes in your favorite dishes will awaken a flow of culinary inspiration in you.