Distinguishing pungent fruits is easy and simple - cayenne pepper and chili: what is the difference and how they are used

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

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

What is the Difference Between Cayenne Pepper and Chili

The uninitiated people usually call any variety of hot peppers "chili". This is a common misconception. There are different varieties of pungent vegetable crops... They differ in ripening speed, external signs and sharpness of taste.

Externally

A member of the genus nightshade was named Cayenne in honor of port where they were traded. This type of spicy vegetable has other names as well: 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 appearance. The fruits can be in the form of cherries, olives, hearts. The color ranges 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 of 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 the spicy vegetable, 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 is characterized by a spicy, pungent taste with a high degree of pungency.

Cayenne pepper lacks its own unique flavor... It is used in cooking exclusively to spice up food.

Which is sharper

Gives spice to the pods of red hot pepper the substance they contain is "capsaicin".

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

Cayenne varietal group has a pungency index from 30,000 to 55,000 units... Chili pepper is less spicy compared to it. On 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 it tastes.

Difference in composition and properties

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

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

Thanks to the beneficial substances contained in cayenne pepper, it is widely used for medicinal purposes. The use of this type of spicy vegetable crop is shown when:

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

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

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

Chili fruits are rich in vitamins: choline, beta-carotene, riboflavin, tocopherol, thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, phylloquinone. They contain a large amount of ascorbic, pantothenic and folic acids. As part of this type of spicy vegetable culture, there are many useful microelements: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc.

Chili pods are good for your health: they stimulate the digestive process, have a diaphoretic and warming effect on the body.

This type of spicy vegetable crop indicated for use in food by people suffering from:

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

Applying cayenne pepper

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

Important! Hot peppers help prevent food spoilage.

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

In cooking

Cayenne pepper is an important ingredient in most exotic oriental, Mexican and even African dishes... It is used alone or in combination with other spices: it adds pungency and piquancy.

Cayenne pepper gives an interesting taste to fish, meat, cheese, vegetable dishes. It goes well with eggs, crayfish, beans, chicken.

To give a special touch to the culinary dish mix the pods with a little vegetable oil... This combination will make the meat sauce much tastier.

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

In folk medicine

Pungent seasoning widely used in traditional medicine recipes:

1. To fight the flu early, mix 1/2 tablespoon each of chopped ginger and turmeric. Ground pepper is added 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 of a dessert spoon of black and cayenne peppers, ground ginger, cardamom. Then add the composition to the milk, bring to a boil. It is recommended to drink the product hot on an empty stomach.
3. To cure joint pain, a medicinal mixture is made 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 sharp pods are used in nourishing hair masks... They allow to solve the problem of hair loss, strengthen hair follicles. Cayenne pepper masks can effectively repair damaged hair of any type.

Spicy vegetable culture used in the fight against cellulite... Pungent fruits are the main component of anti-cellulite ointments. They effectively break down fat deposits in problem areas of the body, relieve puffiness.

The 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 grow indoor peppers correctly

How to grow and care for ornamental peppers "Capsicum"

Why is the "Spark" pepper variety good and how to grow it correctly

Chili peppers

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

In cooking

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

It is added to:

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

Nutritionists recommend adding chili to slimming shakes: it helps to fight extra pounds, breaks down fats.

In folk medicine

Hot chili peppers have found their way into folk medicine.

With its help, various diseases are treated.:

• for colds, combine honey and crushed pepper in equal parts, take 1 tsp. three times a day;
• to cure sore joints, pour chili pepper with vodka 1: 5, keep the tincture in a dark place for a week, then wipe the sore spots with infusion;
• with delays in menstruation, a mixture is prepared - for 250 g of vodka, they take 30 g of ground pepper, insist for 14 days, take 10 drops three times during the day.

In cosmetology

Chili peppers in a ground state are used for cosmetic purposes.

is he added to hair masks, included in anti-cellulite preparations: These products tone the skin, tighten it, and eliminate the "orange peel".

The harm and benefits of cayenne pepper

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

Sharp pods in some cases can be harmful. 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 to strengthen the immune system, increase appetite.

The harm and benefits of chili

Chili pods can be harmful to human healthsuffering from peptic ulcer 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 getting chili products on mucous membranes.

Eating this type of vegetable requires moderation. In small quantities, it helps to improve appetite, strengthen immunity due to the high content of vitamins, in particular vitamin C.

Chili peppers are healthy those who are overweight. This product has anti-cancer properties... Its use has a beneficial effect on brain activity.

Differences in cultivation

Cayenne pepper and Chile grown in the same way, according to the rules of agrotechnics of acute varieties this vegetable crop.

Both varieties require moist, light soil. They are equally photophilous. Suitable for growing open ground or individual pots. In the second case, the plant will be small.

Attention! Cayenne pepper is not suitable for outdoor cultivation in the northern regions of the country. Vegetable crops will need to create greenhouse conditions.

For planting seedlings in open ground, choose a well-lit area. It is important to protect plants from drafts and direct sunlight.

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

Chili peppers are difficult to transplant... Peat cups should be used for seedlings. This measure will save plants from stress when planted in open ground.

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

Popular varieties

Popular varieties of cayenne pepper:

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

The most popular varieties of chili peppers:

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

Conclusion

Hot peppers of two varietal groups - cayenne and chili - are popular as a savory seasoning. Their fruits are similar in appearance, but differ in size, severity 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 piquancy to your usual recipes - perhaps new notes in your favorite dishes will awaken a stream of culinary inspiration in you.