Herb. No. 141 · Solanaceae
Mesoamerican Capsicum. A summer chili worldwide where frost stays off.
Native · Mexico & Central America
Native Also grownNow a garden plant worldwide
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Cayenne
Capsicum annuum
Medicinal herbsKitchenHarvestCompanions
The slender red chili that taught Europe heat — a kitchen spice and a traditional circulation pungent.
Cayenne is a Capsicum annuum cultivar, the same species as bell pepper at the other end of the Scoville scale. Traditional use is as a warming digestive and a topical for sore muscle. Culinary amounts are food. A teaspoon in a mug as a ‘heart tonic’ is folklore that burns more than it proves.
Flavor
Clean heat, a little fruit, then fire. Dried is toastier than fresh.
Parts used
Ripe fruit, fresh or dried
Helpful
- Easy in a hot summer
- A true kitchen spice
Cautions
- Burns mucosa and eyes
- Reflux
- Not a beverage