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Hot!
Hot! Hot!
The
essence of Caribbean cuisine is to be
found
in its hot (hot,hot!) peppers
One person might describe a hot pepper as an eye-watering,
tongue-burning ingredient. However, to others, peppers are
a delicate and delicious spice added to a finely-catered meal.
Hot peppers are widely used and found in the Caribbean,
a common variety being the scotch bonnet. This pepper is used
in sauces, with a special blend of mustard, vinegar, garlic,
salt, onion and other ingredients. Gourmet hot pepper sauces
add the kick in spicy chicken wings or perhaps a roti or curry
dish. Hot peppers represent the quintessence of the Caribbean
and are used worldwide to cater to the craving of people who
love the thrill the spice brings.
The scotch bonnet pepper is closely related to the
hebrano; some may say that they are the same thing, but connoisseurs
insist that the scotch bonnet has a more fruity taste. The
scotch bonnet is actually lantern-shaped and is usually a
reddish-brown when ripe, while the hebrano is long and orange.
There have been many claims as to which is the hottest pepper
in the world. Most would say this title belongs to the bird
pepper, which is commonly found throughout South America.
The bird pepper got its name because birds actually enjoy
the taste of the seeds. Birds appear to not taste the same
extreme hotness as mammals.
Why
are hot peppers hot?
The answer to this question actually relates to ingredients
found in hot peppers known as capsaicin; it is found in plants
of the genus capsicum, which includes bell peppers, scotch
bonnet, chili, hebrano, etc. This ingredient brings a burning
sensation to the mouth and throat by directly acting on the
pain receptors. The more capsaicin, the higher the heat level.
At extreme levels the eyes may water and the nose could run.
The amount of capsaicin in a pepper is measured in Scoville
Heat Units. Peppers are tested for hotness by a group of people
who mix the pepper with a sweetened substance. Basically,
the more sweeteners they have to add to the pepper, the higher
the heat level.
How
to eliminate the burn
It has been said that anything such as milk, cottage
cheese, cream, yoghurt, or any other high protein foods alleviate
the burn. Crackers, bread, or anything of the kind would also
help. However, avoid water, for this tends to make the capsaicin
spread around the mouth and makes it burn more!
How
did peppers reach the Caribbean?
Some people believe that hot peppers originated in
India, but they actually came from South America. The history
of peppers seems to be linked to Christopher Columbus. When
Columbus reached South America, he believed he had landed
somewhere in the Far East. When he discovered hot peppers
he thought he had found a new type of black pepper. Columbus
was fascinated with his discovery and took it back to Europe,
whence it rapidly spread worldwide.
Medical
Uses
Hot peppers have been used in folk medicines and cures
for decades, but it was not until recently that their true
medical potential was actually confirmed by scientists. Today,
peppers are used to cure many illnesses such as stomach ulcers,
and various other aches and pains. Peppers are also good for
wounds and skin disorders of all kinds.
They are used in hot climates such as the Caribbean
to induce perspiration and thus cause one to cool off. Peppers
are also used as a cure for insect bites, rashes and respiratory
illnesses. They are known to make asthmatics breathe better,
assist in colds and general nasal congestion and to reduce
headaches. As well, they provide the body with various vitamins
including vitamins E and C. The capsaicin in peppers may be
a cure for some forms of cancer and could reduce low blood
pressure. Hot peppers are also prescribed to help in dietary,
muscle and joint problems.
Hot peppers, in short, can be used in a variety of
ways, from culinary to medical. They are a magnificent cultural
aspect of the Caribbean and will remain the favourite ingredient
for putting a kick into your dish.
Written
by Laura Williams for Island Life magazine
(No.
20, Issue 2, 2003)
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