Cayenne Powder Buying Guide

Spice up your meals with the best cayenne powder!

What is Cayenne Powder?

Cayenne powder is a spice made from dried chili peppers. Cayenne peppers are native to Central and South America, but they are now widely grown throughout the world. The powder is made by grinding the dried peppers and can be used in cooking, as a seasoning for meat, poultry, or fish, or as a supplement.

Why Use Cayenne Powder?

Cayenne powder has a variety of health benefits - it can help boost your metabolism, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall digestive health. Additionally, it adds a spicy kick to your meals that can help to enhance the flavor of your dishes.

Factors to Consider When Buying Cayenne Powder

When buying cayenne powder, there are several factors that you should consider:

• Quality: The quality of the cayenne powder will directly impact the flavor and health benefits of the spice. Look for high-quality brands that source their cayenne peppers from reputable growers and use clean processing methods.
• Heat: Cayenne peppers vary in heat levels, so it's important to choose a cayenne powder that matches your preferred level of spice. Look for labels that specify heat levels, or try different brands until you find one that suits your taste.
• Freshness: Like any spice, cayenne powder loses its flavor over time. Look for brands that have a relatively short shelf life and avoid buying in bulk if you don't plan to use the spice quickly.
• Price: The price of cayenne powder can vary greatly depending on the brand and quality. Set a budget beforehand and compare prices across different brands to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

Types of Cayenne Powder

While cayenne powder is generally made from the same type of pepper, there are different types of cayenne powder available, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Regular Cayenne: This is the most common type of cayenne powder, with a heat level that ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units. It's a versatile spice that is great for adding heat to a variety of dishes.
• African Birdseye: This is a type of cayenne pepper that is grown in Africa. It's smaller and hotter than regular cayenne, with a heat level that can exceed 100,000 Scoville units. African birdseye cayenne powder is great for adding a serious kick to your meals.
• Korean: Korean cayenne powder has a slightly different flavor profile than regular cayenne powder, with a slightly sweeter taste. It has a heat level that ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units and is an excellent choice for adding spice to Korean dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, or soup.

Top Brands of Cayenne Powder

When it comes to buying cayenne powder, there are many brands to choose from. Here are some of the best brands of cayenne powder:

• Simply Organic: Simply Organic is a popular brand of organic spices, including cayenne powder. They source their cayenne peppers from India and use a steam sterilization process to ensure their spices are free from contaminants.
• Frontier Co-op: Frontier Co-op is another popular brand of organic spices. They source their cayenne peppers from India and use a low-temperature drying process to retain the natural flavor and heat of the pepper.
• Spice Island: Spice Island is a well-known brand that offers high-quality spices, including cayenne pepper. They source their cayenne peppers from Central and South America and use a grinding method that ensures maximum flavor and heat.
• McCormick: McCormick is a well-established spice brand that offers a variety of spices, including cayenne pepper. They use a grinding method that ensures consistent levels of heat and flavor in each batch of spice.

How to Store Cayenne Powder

To maximize the flavor and lifespan of your cayenne powder, it's important to store it properly. Here are some tips for storing cayenne powder:

• Store in an airtight container: Exposure to light and air can cause cayenne powder to lose its flavor and intensity. Store your cayenne powder in an airtight container to preserve both flavor and heat.
• Avoid heat and moisture: Cayenne powder should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture. Do not store cayenne powder in the fridge or freezer, as this can cause condensation to form and ruin the spice.
• Label and date: To avoid confusion and ensure freshness, label your cayenne powder with the date it was opened and store it in your pantry with the other spices.

Cayenne Powder Recipes

Cayenne powder can be used in a variety of dishes to add heat and flavor. Here are some delicious recipes to try:

Cajun Blackened Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat a cast-iron skillet over high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
4. Drizzle the olive oil in the skillet.
5. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Spicy Guacamole

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe avocados
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. Scoop out the avocado flesh and mash it in a bowl with a fork.
3. Add the red onion, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix until well combined.
4. Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasonings as needed.
5. Serve cold with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos or salad.