There is nothing as widely used and relied upon as cayenne pepper, to transform a mundane everyday-dish to a hot and spicy showstopper, especially in India. While the laal mirch (red chilli powder) in the circular masala-boxes at home, is only one of the many variants of cayenne pepper consumed in the different parts of our country, this condiment has been around for quite some time and is popular all over the world. It has different names and is available in different forms (fresh, dried, canned or powdered), and celebrated for much more than its role in the kitchen.Cayenne Pepper takes its name from the Cayenne region of French Guinea. It is grown in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of India, Africa, United States of America and Mexico. It was introduced to the rest of the world by Spanish and Portugese travellers, who carried it from South America where it was cultivated for the first time.Not many are aware that some chilli powder variants are not purely made from Cayenne pepper (having additives like fennel seed powder), but are perfect substitutes for it. One of the local versions is Kashmiri laal mirch powder, which is not too hot but imparts a striking red colour to food preparations.
2. Detox PowerCayenne pepper stimulates the circulatory system. If had with a glass of warm water and fresh lemon juice in the mornings, it helps the body detoxify itself. It increases the body temperature, giving a kickstart to our metabolism. Another benefit of this early-morning drink is regulation of blood sugar levels.
3. Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal and Anti-irritantThis hot ingredient is also said to aid an upset stomach, and those suffering from ulcers. Whats more? Cayenne pepper acts as the bodys shield against allergens and can prevent migraine attacks. The gut has both healthy and unhealthy bacteria. Cayenne pepper keeps the gut healthy by maintaining an optimum pH balance that hinders the growth of the microbes in the gut.
4. Can Prevent CancerResearchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, found that the compound responsible for chillis heat has the power to kill prostate cancer cells. The findings suggest that with further research, the compound capsaicin found in cayenne pepper could one day be used to develop effective anti-cancer drugs in the form of an injection or pill.
5. Helps Nurse a ColdAs consumption of cayenne pepper raises the temperature of the body, it helps to decongest mucus and thus gives relief from cold and flu discomfort. A light sprinkling in a steaming bowl of healthy vegetable soup can go a long way to fight that pesky flu. Besides, it also has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a natural pain killer. It is also used as one of the components in topical pain relieving ointments and creams.
6. Protects the HeartMost often heart attacks are caused due to blocked blood vessels. Not only does cayenne pepper help in regulating blood pressure levels, it also prevents the clotting of blood if consumed in optimal quantities on a daily-basis.
7. Good for Weight LossThis wondrous spice starts working its magic even before reaching the stomach, ie in the mouth itself. It stimulates the production of saliva, which is great for digestion, and teeth and gum health. Moreover, it is said to aid in weight loss. Here too, the compound capsaicin plays a role where it helps in burning calories and curbs the appetite, if consumed regularly along with other beneficial ingredients.
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Cayenne pepper, also known as Mirchi in India comes with great health benefits apart from adding spicy flavor to the food.
4. Can Prevent CancerResearchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, found that the compound responsible for chillis heat has the power to kill prostate cancer cells. The findings suggest that with further research, the compound capsaicin found in cayenne pepper could one day be used to develop effective anti-cancer drugs in the form of an injection or pill.
2. Detox PowerCayenne pepper stimulates the circulatory system. If had with a glass of warm water and fresh lemon juice in the mornings, it helps the body detoxify itself. It increases the body temperature, giving a kickstart to our metabolism. Another benefit of this early-morning drink is regulation of blood sugar levels.
3. Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal and Anti-irritantThis hot ingredient is also said to aid an upset stomach, and those suffering from ulcers. Whats more? Cayenne pepper acts as the bodys shield against allergens and can prevent migraine attacks. The gut has both healthy and unhealthy bacteria. Cayenne pepper keeps the gut healthy by maintaining an optimum pH balance that hinders the growth of the microbes in the gut.
7. Good for Weight LossThis wondrous spice starts working its magic even before reaching the stomach, ie in the mouth itself. It stimulates the production of saliva, which is great for digestion, and teeth and gum health. Moreover, it is said to aid in weight loss. Here too, the compound capsaicin plays a role where it helps in burning calories and curbs the appetite, if consumed regularly along with other beneficial ingredients.
There is nothing as widely used and relied upon as cayenne pepper, to transform a mundane everyday-dish to a hot and spicy showstopper, especially in India. While the laal mirch (red chilli powder) in the circular masala-boxes at home, is only one of the many variants of cayenne pepper consumed in the different parts of our country, this condiment has been around for quite some time and is popular all over the world. It has different names and is available in different forms (fresh, dried, canned or powdered), and celebrated for much more than its role in the kitchen.Cayenne Pepper takes its name from the Cayenne region of French Guinea. It is grown in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of India, Africa, United States of America and Mexico. It was introduced to the rest of the world by Spanish and Portugese travellers, who carried it from South America where it was cultivated for the first time.Not many are aware that some chilli powder variants are not purely made from Cayenne pepper (having additives like fennel seed powder), but are perfect substitutes for it. One of the local versions is Kashmiri laal mirch powder, which is not too hot but imparts a striking red colour to food preparations.
As you can imagine, there are many varieties of red chilli peppers in India alone, never mind globally. Indian chilli powder is not exactly the same thing as cayenne pepper, but you can freely substitute one for the other — the former you can find at any Indian grocer, it is usually redder in color and hotter than cayenne powder; the latter you can easily find in any grocery store, even small corner stores, and it does the trick. Yes, red chilli flakes or crushed red pepper indeed fill the shaker bottles you find at pizza places. I use them in everyday cooking when I’m starting to make a curry, first by heating a few red chilli flakes in oil and then adding onions, garlic, and ginger. I rarely sprinkle red chilli flakes on a finished Indian dish before serving it, the way you would sprinkle it on pizza for a little kick. When I make more complicated Indian dishes, I use a specific variety of chilli powder, depending on the region the dish originates from. For instance, I use red Kashmiri chilli powder when making a North Indian dish like butter chicken because it has a little bite, but isn’t that hot, imparting a sweet smoothness that is perfect in milder dishes like butter chicken.
Where is cayenne pepper grown in India?
FAQ
Is cayenne pepper same as Lal Mirch?
Is cayenne pepper an Indian spice?
What is another name for cayenne pepper?
What is cayenne powder in India?
What is cayenne pepper called in India?
Also known as Guinea spice, it’s named after the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. Is cayenne pepper available in India? No, there are several types of dried red chili peppers, cayenne is only one. Ancho, guajillo and Tabasco are also red chilies, with different levels of heat and different flavor profiles. What is Cayenne called in India?
Is cayenne pepper good for kidneys?
Cayenne pepper is made up of a number of nutrients, one of which is calcium oxalate, which can cause problems such as kidney stones. However, if used without exaggeration, it does not usually cause problems. There is an ideal type of pepper for people with kidney problems: red pepper. This is due to its low potassium content, which makes it a great seasoning option for these patients.
What is a cayenne pepper called?
Cayenne Pepper is commonly called “Lal Mirchi”, or Indian Pepper. Cayenne Pepper is belonging to the Capsicum family and is having moderate heat on scoville scale (used to measure the pungency of pepper). It is named after the town Cayenne in France Guiana. They are grown extensively in South and Central America.
Where does cayenne pepper come from?
Cayenne pepper takes its name from its supposed centre of origin – the Cayenne region of French Guiana, Cayenne deriving from a Tupi Indian name. It is now grown largely in India, East Africa, Mexico and the United States, in fact most tropical and sub-tropical regions. See also Why Does Coriander Have 2 Names? Where cayenne pepper is found?