Exploring Cayenne: from cooking to pest control

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Cayenne peppers, renowned for their widespread popularity in the US and globally, might already have a place of honor in your pantry.

Cream Section Separator What to know: Learn more

Cayenne peppers, derived from Central and South America, draw their name from Cayenne, French Guiana. With a cultivation history spanning over 7,000 years, these peppers have been embraced worldwide since the 1500s.

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Appearance and characteristics

Cream Section Separator Cayenne peppers begin as green and later mature into a bright red hue, though other color varieties exist. These peppers have a long, slim shape, often with curled or wrinkled pods. Learn more

Cayenne peppers boast a Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) range of 30,000 to 50,000, which places them notably higher on the heat scale (roughly five times hotter!) than jalapeños.

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What does cayenne taste like?

Cream Section Separator Cayenne peppers deliver a hot and slightly fruity taste. Unlike many other peppers that lean towards earthy or smoky flavors, cayenne pepper keeps it neutral and lighter. Learn more

In the United States, cayenne pepper is a staple in numerous dishes, frequently taking the form of dried powder or crushed flakes. Its versatility shines as it adds a fiery touch to chili, salsa, soups, rubs, and even finds its way atop pizzas.

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Cayenne vs. paprika

Cream Section Separator Although paprika and cayenne powder are both popular chili pepper-based seasonings, they are indeed distinct from one another. Cayenne is much hotter than paprika, while paprika is earthier and smokier tasting. Learn more

In addition to the classic red, you’ll encounter cayenne peppers that mature into shades of purple, orange, and yellow, adding a visual feast to your garden. Arapaho cayenne peppers are much mulder, falling within the 2,000-4,000 SHU range.

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Cayenne as a repellant

Cream Section Separator Cayenne pepper is frequently used as a DIY solution to keep squirrels away from bird feeders and lawns. The capsaicin in cayenne is an irritant to the respiratory and digestive systems of mammals, discouraging pests like squirrels and rabbits. Learn more

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The "green thumb" is a myth — with the right information, anyone can successfully grow peppers. Enjoy this free 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest. Cream Section Separator Get the free guide