Cayenne

Cayenne pepper has long been used as an herbal supplement or treatment that has many different health benefits. Of cayenne pepper and cayenne on the market today there are several different heat levels, but generally it is considered to be hotter than the jalapeno pepper but not as hot as the habanero pepper.

Chilli peppers, often spelled as chili pepper, is used in traditional South American cooking as well as in Eastern dishes. Cayenne pepper is typically used in ground form and is produced by picking the red, ripe pepper and allowing it to completely dry. It is then ground into a find red powder and used in cooking and herbal medicines. The seeds are also used for flavoring as well as in herbal products. The health benefits of cayenne pepper include improving blood flow and circulation, chronic pain, toothaches, digestive disorders, headaches and heart disease. Topical applications are used to alleviate pain in those individuals with arthritis and are another of the many benefits of cayenne.

There are several recipes that use peppers including jalapenos, chili peppers and cayenne pepper. Some of the most common include jalapeno poppers which are jalapeno peppers split opened, cleaned of veins and seeds, and stuffed with a cream cheese mixture. They are then dipped in batter and deep friend or rolled in crispy bread crumbs and baked. An easy jalapeno jelly recipes is:

1 green pepper, chopped
12 jalapeno peppers, veined seeded and chopped
1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
4 cups white granulated sugar
4 ounces liquid pectin
4 addition jalapeno peppers, veined seeded and chopped very fine
pinch of salt

Process the chopped green pepper and 12 jalapeno peppers in a food processor until pureed. Transfer to a saucepan and add vinegar and salt. Simmer for 15-20 minutes then strain to remove all solids. Add liquid back to saucepan and add sugar and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for one minute, remove from heat, add liquid pectin and finely chopped jalapenos. Ladle into small jars, heat in warm water bath to seal and store. Refrigerate after opening.

A mixture of cayenne pepper, water, lemon, maple syrup that is warmed up is often used as a cleansing and detoxifying drink and can be used in fasting and cleansing routines. Care needs to be taken when using these cleansing and fasting programs especially if you have any known health conditions such as diabetes, digestive disorders or ulcers.

Last but not least, chili peppers have been used in decorating and décor for many hundreds of years. Dry chili wreaths are now popular worldwide as are chili pepper lights and chili pepper décor such as serving bowls, glasses and even utensils. There is even a famous band known as the Red Hot Chili Peppers – Snow is one of their best-known songs.