Cayenne pepper and chili pepper – what’s the difference and which variety is better?

Capsicum is a genus of plants in the Solanaceae family, comprising numerous varieties that differ not only in appearance but also in taste. All varieties of this vegetable crop are divided into two broad groups based on flavor: sweet and bitter. Bitter varieties are widely used in cooking to add a spicy and piquant flavor to dishes.

Despite belonging to different cultivar groups, cayenne pepper and chili pepper are quite similar, making it difficult for the uninitiated to tell the difference. However, an experienced gardener can easily distinguish these varieties based on their botanical characteristics and heat levels.

The difference between cayenne pepper and chili pepper

Most people mistakenly call all varieties of hot peppers "chili." However, all varieties of this hot vegetable differ in appearance, ripening time, and spiciness.

Botanical characteristics

Cayenne belongs to the species Capsicum frutescens or to a separate group, Capsicum sinense, according to different sources.

Chili, in turn, is a member of the Capsicum anuum species, a synonym of Capsicum frutescens. Contrary to popular belief, the vegetable was not named after the South American country. In fact, the plant was named by the Aztecs, whose language translates "chili" as "red." This is the color of the fruit of most varieties, depending on their biological maturity.

The morphological characteristics of all varieties are quite similar, and the wide diversity of the genus also complicates the choice. According to botanical characteristics, all varieties of hot crops They are practically identical to each other. However, the fruits of the Cayenne variety are considered to be small in size, sometimes no larger than a bean.

Taste characteristics

Different varieties of the plant differ not only in morphological characteristics but also in taste. The vegetable's spiciness depends on the amount of the alkaloid capsaicin it contains. Capsaicin is used in the production of pepper sprays and some medicinal products.

To determine the spiciness of fruits, the American chemist William Scoville developed a heat scale that clearly shows the relationship between the capsaicin content of a vegetable and its spiciness. For example, bell peppers have a heat rating of -0, while the heat of Capsicum anuum fruits ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 units.

Despite the existence of a scale that has been significantly modernized over time, it's difficult to say which variety of pepper is hotter. This is because the heat of the plant's fruit depends on where it's grown and the characteristics of each individual variety. However, some believe that high-quality peppers named after port cities are significantly hotter than chili peppers.

The medicinal properties and uses of cayenne pepper

Recently, this pungent vegetable has been frequently used in folk medicine to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. Its beneficial properties include its ability to stimulate the immune system and invigorate the body.

Compound

The medicinal properties of the plant's fruits are explained by their composition. The vegetable contains numerous biologically active substances, including:

• proteins;
• carbohydrates;
• capsaicin;
• minerals (potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, etc.);
• ascorbic acid;
• vitamins A, K, PP and group B;
• essential oils;
• fatty acids;
• essential amino acids;
• carotenoids;
• hafitcin;
• dietary fiber;
• ash;
• sulfur;
• water.

The product is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance to colds. According to research, peppers contain several times more ascorbic acid than citrus fruits. Furthermore, the warming properties of the vegetable are used to treat acute respiratory infections and the flu.

Capsaicin, the substance that gives the fruit its bitterness, is particularly beneficial for men, as it not only tones the nervous system but also increases male libido. Thanks to its sulfur content, eating the fruit has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair, which is why it is often used in cosmetology.

Recipes for treatment with pepper

This vegetable is often used to treat and prevent colds. To prepare a cold remedy, you'll need:

1. Milk – 1 tbsp.
2. Pepper (ground) – 1 pinch.
3. Ginger (powdered) – ½ tsp.
4. Butter – ½ tsp.
5. Honey – to taste.

The spice is used to make a healing oil for external use, effective against colds, flu, rheumatism, and radiculitis. Simply add a few drops of any vegetable oil and a pinch of ground red pepper. Apply the resulting mixture to the affected area and cover with a cloth or towel. For colds, the oil acts like a mustard plaster. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can cause a burn.

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Culinary uses

Hot pepper is one of the most popular seasonings used in modern cooking. It adds a piquant, fresh flavor to any dish. It's also often used as a natural preservative. It can be used fresh or dried. Dried and powdered, it's added to salads, soups, main courses, sauces, and marinades.

This pungent vegetable can be used to season almost any dish; it perfectly complements the flavor of meat, fish, and seafood. This bitter fruit is most often found in Mexican and Thai cuisine. It pairs well with basil, garlic, coriander, and other spices, making it an ingredient in many combination seasonings.

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The spice is also used in confectionery. It's added to chocolate fillings and directly to the chocolate for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor. The spice is successfully added to coffee, giving it a tart, piquant finish.

However, when adding the spice to dishes or drinks, caution should be exercised to avoid discomfort and gastrointestinal burns. When cutting and seeding particularly pungent fruits, it is recommended to wear gloves to avoid burning your fingers. Also, after handling fresh fruits, avoid touching your eyes until you've washed your hands.

Popular varieties of hot peppers

Currently, there are many varieties of this plant, differing in cultivation methods, fruit appearance, and degree of pungency. The following are particularly popular:

1. Double Abundance. A hybrid variety distinguished by high yields and resistance to changing environmental conditions. The plant is a shrub with strong shoots approximately 80 cm tall. The fruits are trunk-shaped and red in color. Each fruit can reach 20 cm in length.

   

2. Hot Bouquet. An early-ripening variety with medium-sized fruits. During fruiting, the low-growing bush produces peppers up to 12 cm long. The flesh of the elongated cone-shaped fruits is tolerably spicy. The plant tolerates drought well, but does not tolerate low light.

   

3. Adjika. The plant is a tall shrub, with shoots that can reach 1 m in height. The bright red fruits are cone-shaped, quite pungent in taste, and have a pleasant aroma.

   

4. Tabasco. A shrub with juicy, pungent fruits that grow in clusters. The plant's small fruits are orange-red in color. Tabasco is a high-yielding variety that is resistant to various diseases.

   

5. Ogonyok. A mid-season variety suitable for outdoor cultivation. Small fruits are arranged on the bushes like bright red lanterns. The vegetables are distinguished by their distinctive pungency and strong peppery aroma.

   

6. Chinese Fire. An early-fruiting shrub that barely reaches 65 cm in height. The plant is densely covered with leaves. It produces fairly large fruits, about 25 cm long, requiring staking. It is considered one of the hottest vegetable varieties.

   

Thanks to the wide variety, every vegetable grower can choose the most suitable variety for themselves, based on their taste preferences and experience in growing the crop.

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Frequently asked questions about growing

Chili is the common name for all varieties of hot peppers, and any variety can be sold under this name, despite some differences between them. Cayenne pepper is a separate variety. However, these differences are not so significant; at first glance, they are practically impossible to replace.

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