Pepper. Just the word can send shivers down a child’s spine. For kids, it's the culinary villain, the fierce dragon that lurks in every spoonful of stew or soup. Yet, for adults, it's a culinary masterpiece a versatile spice that transforms dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.
Can you imagine a world without spice? Bland, boring, and utterly uninspiring. Thankfully, we live in a world of flavor, and Africa is one of its spice gardens. Let's take a walk through the world of peppers that ignite our taste buds.
Bell Pepper
This is the diplomat of the pepper world. Sweet, mild, and often the first taste of pepper for many, it’s a staple in salads, stir-fries, and stuffed dishes. Like its name, this pepper is bell-shaped and contain high amounts of carbohydrates (glucose and fructose), water, and fiber (That’s why you can eat them raw). They come in different colors- green (immature and slightly bitter), red (sweet) and yellow (moderately sweet).
Cayenne Pepper
This is where the heat starts to build. It’s the backbone of many chili powders and packs a punch with Its slender, crimson body that belies the intense heat it holds within. Containing capsaicin, cayenne pepper helps relieve pain, boost metabolism and aid digestion.
Fresh, dried, or ground into a powder, this pepper can be incorporated in spices, marinades, stews, soups, hot sauces and dips. Cayenne pepper can be quite hot, so start with a small amount and gradually increase to your desired level of spice. Speaking of hot sauce and spices, you can purchase any of these on our website.
Scotch Pepper
Scotch bonnet, with its fruity undertones, is a Caribbean favorite. Don't be fooled by its cute appearance. The Scotch Bonnet delivers a heat level comparable to its habanero cousin. However, what sets it apart is its unique flavor. This versatile ingredient adds heat and flavor to jerk chicken, rice and peas, and other traditional dishes, including African cuisine.
The Scotch Bonnet is not for the faint of heart. Its heat can be overwhelming if not handled properly. When working with this pepper, wear gloves and avoid touching your eyes or face.
Stay tuned for the next blog post about habaneros, white and black pepper.
Ready to embark on a flavor adventure? Check out our collection of African spices. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or new to cooking Flourish Spices has something for everyone. Place your order today!
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