Pepper Primer

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Posted by Erika Pitera on May 19, 2007

Pepper Primer Peppers (capsicum) are members of the nightshade family and have been cultivated for thousands of years in the tropical regions of America and South America.

The fruit of peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical that produces a burning sensation when one tastes it, but different varieties of peppers contain different quantities of capsaicin. Peppers can range from very mild bell peppers to extremely spicy varieties of chilies, as measured by the Scoville Scale.

Selecting and Storing Peppers

The most common pepper for everyday use is the green or red bell pepper. When choosing a bell pepper at the market, look for one that has taut skin, a fresh green stem and no soft spots or blemishes. The shape of a pepper is usually irrelevant; just look for those that are firm and heavy for their size.

You can store unwashed bell peppers in the vegetable crisper in your refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze bell peppers whole to avoid nutrient and flavor loss.

The hotness of a chili pepper is rated on the Scoville Scale.

Chilies get their heat from an alkaloid compound called capsaicin.

Capsaicin stimulates your mouth's pain receptors instead of your taste buds.

A pepper's seeds tend to absorb capsaicin, so remove them to tone down the heat.

Try dairy products, tomato juice, or lemon or lime juice to counteract a pepper's capsaicin.

Don't drink water or wash your hands until you neutralize capsaicin's heat - water just spreads the fire.

Preparing Peppers

Rinse your bell pepper before coring and cutting; if it's extremely waxy, scrub it well. Cut around the stem and remove it; then core the pepper and remove its seeds. You may then prepare the pepper as your recipe directs.

Handle With Care

When handling chilies with high capsaicin content, be extremely careful. If possible, wear gloves to protect your hands, and do not touch your face or eyes. If you come in contact with a chili, wash your hands with soapy water. Soaking in a bowl of milk can help relieve any burning you may experience.

Usage in Cuisine

Peppers can be eaten raw or cooked. They are also a popular choice for salads, stir-fries, salsas and many other dishes. Peppers can be preserved by pickling and drying, and hot sauces like Tabasco are made from pepper extracts.

Peppers are easy to grow in home gardens, therefore they are popular and inexpensive additions to many meals.