Red Pepper Facts

General Description

Red Pepper is made from the ground fruit of a plant in the Capsicum family.

The fruits, commonly known as "chilies" or "chili peppers," are fiery red or orange pods which rarely grow to more than 4 inches in length. The ground product ranges from orange-red, to deep, dark red.

According to the American Spice Trade Association, "Red Pepper" is the preferred name for all hot red pepper spices. Cayenne Pepper is another name for the same type of product.

Some manufacturers use the term Cayenne Pepper to refer to a hotter version of Red Pepper.

Traditional Uses

Red Pepper is used to achieve the characteristically hot flavor of Mexican, Creole, Cajun, Thai, Szechuan, and Indian cooking. It also is used in chili, Spanish rice, and barbecue sauce as well as meats, salads, and casseroles.

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Taste and Aroma

Red pepper is a pungent, hot powder with a strong bite.

Last Updated:  Monday, February 27, 2012 05:07 PM