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Description
Red Pepper is the dried, ripened fruit pod of Capsicum
frutescens, one of the most pungent Capsicums. It is sometimes
referred to as Cayenne Red Pepper, having been named after the
high heat chilies grown in the vicinity of the Cayenne River in
French Guiana.
Uses
Red Pepper adds heat and bite to seasoning blends, meats,
pickles, seafood, Italian, Indian, Mexican, and Caribbean
cuisines. Red Pepper is used in seasoned salt, chili powder,
jerk, mole negro, and berbere seasoning blends.
Origins
Although there are numerous sources of Red Pepper, India,
Pakistan, and China are the major producers. Varieties
originating from these countries are among the hottest and most
pungent types.
Folklore
Early Spanish explorers found Red Pepper pods in the Caribbean
while looking for true pepper berries. In innocent confusion or
perhaps to save face, the Spaniards named their discovery
"pepper." There is no relationship between the capsicum pods and
the true pepper berries, but the misnomer "pepper" has stuck.
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