| Growing cayenne peppers is one of the most popular | | | | vinegar, the resulting juice is used to flavor collard |
| and easiest of gardening tasks. Cayenne peppers are | | | | greens. The juice can be replenished by adding more |
| not the hottest of peppers, but run middle range to hot, | | | | vinegar, as this process does not cause the peppers |
| they grow to three feet tall at maturity, and two feet | | | | to lose any of their heat. |
| wide. Because of the peppers ability to produce so | | | | Native to south and central America, the cayenne is |
| many peppers on one plant, only one or two plants | | | | also known by other names: |
| might be necessary to feed a household. | | | | -African Pepper |
| The type of soil necessary for pepper growing is | | | | -Red Bird Pepper |
| moist but not too soggy, with good drainage, and inside | | | | -Cockspur Pepper |
| a container bed. They should not be planted nearby | | | | -Goats Pepper |
| any other species of peppers such as bells or sweet | | | | -Devils Tongue |
| peppers due to the possibility of cross-pollination. | | | | -Hot Flame |
| Mulching the container bed with straw to help with | | | | Growing cayenne peppers is also done for medicinal |
| drainage is a good idea. | | | | uses. Capsaicin is the prime ingredient in cayennes that |
| Growing cayenne peppers in full sun is their | | | | gives them their heat. Although this substance might be |
| preference. The plants can be purchased from garden | | | | hot to the tongue, it aids in the treatment of digestive |
| centers. Plants should be chosen that don't yet have | | | | tract problems and other maladies such as: |
| any blooms or fruit. It takes from 70 to 80 days for a | | | | -congestion |
| plant to bear fruit once its been planted, and its | | | | -toothaches |
| important the planting take place after any danger of | | | | -fevers |
| frost. | | | | -migraines |
| Cayennes give meals a good spicy kick. Since their | | | | -muscle pains and sprains |
| heat runs middle of the road, they are great for dishes | | | | -can improve blood circulation when applied topically |
| requiring more spice than a bell pepper might provide, | | | | Cayenne can be used as a condiment much like salt |
| but not quite as hot as a habanero. When the seeds | | | | and pepper, and be purchased or eventually dried and |
| and inside skin is removed, much of this fiery heat is | | | | crushed into the same texture and density as any chili |
| lost, if that is the intention of the cook. | | | | powder. It is great tasting over fish, cheese dishes, |
| Growing cayenne peppers is a good way to get | | | | sauces and soups and egg salads. |
| started in Mexican cooking, as cayennes are used | | | | Thai food uses a lot of cayenne pepper in its dishes |
| frequently in these dishes. Many people use cayennes | | | | and some examples of those are: Peanut Dipping |
| for all sorts of dishes, and they are a staple of Cajun | | | | Sauce, Tart Fish Curry, Pad Thai, as well as Tex Mex |
| food as well. In the south, it is common practice to | | | | recipes like Chili, Black Bean Soup, Guacamole, |
| pickle cayenne peppers. Stuffed in a jar, then filled with | | | | Hummus and Corn Bread. |