Chili Peppers

Zoe Biron

Most popular spice in the world

200 varieties

Used in all types of cuisine

Add flavor, heat!

Traced back to Aztecs and Mayans

Originated in Central and South America

Spread by explorers in 1500

Scoville ScaleHeat and intensity is measured on a Scoville Scale

Chili extract, dilute with sugar until neutralized

The number of times it needs to be diluted gives you a rating

Capsaicin, chemical responsible for heat

Veins and seeds, 80%

Can survive heating and freezing

Smaller peppers=more seeds relative to size=spicier!!

Water does not help, dairy products or bread

BenefitsGood for you!

Adds flavor, texture and color!

High in vitamins A, C, E and potassium

Digestion, heart disease and clots

Decongestant

Homeopathic

Speed up metabolism

Fresh and DriedStart out green while growing

As they mature they turn yellow, orange and red

The more they ripen/mature the sweeter they get

Dried chilis have a higher concentration of sugars

Flavors are intensified/magnified

Distinctive smoky flavor

Hottest PeppersNaga Jolokia tested over 1,000,000 SHU

Ghost pepper

Range in heat year to year

Naga Viper 1,359,000 SHU 2010

Trinidad Scorpion, 1,463,700 SHU 2011 Australia

Picture Citations" ." Chile Pepper Scoville Scale. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012.

<http://www.eatmorechiles.com/Scoville_Heat.html>.

"Chilli Wizards Scoville Scale." Chilli Wizards Scoville Scale. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. <http://www.chilliwizards.co.uk/scoville-scale-16-w.asp>.

"The Perfect Pantry®." The Perfect Pantry®. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. <http://www.theperfectpantry.com/2008/07/dried-peppers.html>.

"Types of Hot Peppers." Food Recipes RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. <http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/805359/types-of-hot-peppers>.

"The World's HottestChile Pepper." Naga Jolokia. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. <http://ushotstuff.com/worldshottestchile.htm>.