Chilli - How To Use
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Hot, aromatic and fruity, there are over 400 varieties of chilli in the world, and sixteen per cent of the world's food production is said to include chilli as a flavour enhancer.
How to tell if a chilli is hot?
Typically, the smaller and riper the chilli, the hotter it will be. Green chillies are unripe red chillies. Chillies used in chilli flakes and powder are the result of the fully ripe and red variety. Dried chillies will always have more heat than the fresh equivalent. It is the capsaicin compound that gives the heat pungency.
While usage of hot spice increases, consumers are becoming more knowledgeable regarding spice varieties. In addition to their cravings for heat, consumers demand more flavour in such popular offerings as ethnic and fusion foods.
This berry-like fruit with a shiny jacket encloses small white seeds. These seeds and the inner membranes of the chile are their hottest parts. Chillies vary in size, shape and degree of heat. As well as Mexico, supply can also come from India with high export demand from Bangladesh, Malaysia and China.
What flavours go with chilli?
- Almond
- Anise
- Aubergine
- Avocado
- Bell Pepper
- Broccoli
- Butternut Squash
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Chocolate
- Coconut
- Coriander
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Lemon
- Lime
- Mango
- Mint
- Olive
- Orange
- Peanut
- Pineapple
- Potato
- Tomato
- Walnut
- Watermelon
Researching the above ingredients, it comes as no surprise as to how many ingredients Chilli Spice partners with. That being said there are many surprises. When we think about chilli, many of us are guilty of thinking that we are afraid of chilli in spice mixes because of the possible excessive heat. However, chilli is a superb example of when great alchemy works. Our Great Taste award-winning Vegeto (Mediterranean spice blend) and Mitmita (Ethiopian Spice mix) certainly have a gentle kick but it is doubtful to make you sweat. We usually recommend adding fresh chilli if you have a fondness for heat.
Health Benefits
Chilli peppers will help you burn more calories because they raise the body's temperature during digestion. They also send messages to your nervous system telling your body to produce more brown fat, which is a healthy fat.
Interesting Facts
- Historians and archaeologists tell us that chillies were cultivated as early as 5000 BC, according to evidence. The ancient Aztecs cultured a huge array of chillies for rituals and even chocolate beverages.
- In the 15th Century, Christopher Columbus brought the spice back to Spain. Incorrectly he assumed that chillies were part of the pepper family. The Portuguese took chilli to various colonies, Goa, India and various other African and Asian locations. Very quickly, chilli replaced peppercorns as the choice of seasoning.
- In the 17th Century, the Japanese used to put Chillies in their socks to keep their toes warm rather than eat them. African farmers often grow chillies to protect crops from elephants.
- William Scoville introduced the Scoville index in 1912 by way of measuring the pungency of chillies.
Chief Flavour Compound
Capsaicin: (fiery, numbing and strong) Among other pungent compounds, capsaicin should be used to get a well-rounded and interesting flavour profile. Capsaicin will complement grains of paradise, ginger, mustard, black pepper and Sichuan pepper.
Blends to try with Chilli
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Vegeto £8.95
Introducing Vegeto - Great Taste Award winner - 2023. Vegeto is a smokey all-purpose seasoning mix, with a whisper of bitterness from celery salt, and a hint of heat from ground chilli flakes. All natural, low sodium and vegan. This heritage spice mix pays homage to the ancient Romans' love of vegetables and pulses - inspired by the oldest collection of Roman cookery recipes by Marcus Gavius Apicius.
Endless culinary adventures - With highlights of garlic, paprika and basil, Vegeto is a perfect way to add flavour to roast vegetables, mashed potato, soups and salads. Try a pinch over smashed avocado on toast, or 2 tsp for a roast chicken marinade with some olive oil.
At Cameler Spice Co., we take pride in milling and blending our spices in-house. We do our utmost to use the freshest cooking spices within one year from field to jar. Our main objective is to minimize our supply chain by sourcing ingredients directly from regenerative farms. Indulge in the rich flavours of Vegeto for up to two years, meticulously handwritten on the lid for a personal touch.
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Advieh Mahi £8.95
Introducing Advieh Mahi - This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. It is aromatic and flavourful, with highlights of cumin seeds and fenugreek leaves. All natural, low sodium and vegan.
Endless Culinary Adventures - Advieh Mahi (Persian for "fish spice"), is the perfect spice mix for seafood dishes! When mixed with a neutral oil and brushed over fresh fish, this nutritious blend provides a tasty health boost. Why not try for seasoned cod or salmon? Our customers tell us that this is the perfect spice mix for kedgeree, fish pie and even octopus lollipops with tempura batter!
At Cameler Spice Co., we take pride in milling and blending our spices in-house. We do our utmost to use the freshest cooking spices within one year from field to jar. Our main objective is to minimize our supply chain by sourcing ingredients directly from regenerative farms. Indulge in the rich flavours of Advieh Mahi for up to two years, meticulously handwritten on the lid for a personal touch.
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Mitmita £8.95
Introducing Mitmita - A kaleidoscope of rich, spicy, sweet, and deep flavours that are all-natural, low sodium, and vegan. This spice mix derives from the Ethiopian Empire of Aksum. Featuring the after-heat of Birds Eye chilli peppers, smoky Ethiopian black pepper and undertones of celery salt.
Endless culinary adventures - Traditionally, Mitmita is used as a tabletop seasoning. This all-purpose spice mix adds complexity and balance to everything from a ribeye steak to burgers, or prawns and poultry. It is perfect as a steak rub or a barbeque marinade. It can even take a Bloody Mary cocktail to the next level. We recommend adding some fresh chilli if you want to up the alchemy heat even more.
At Cameler Spice Co., we take pride in milling and blending our spices in-house. We do our utmost to use the freshest cooking spices within one year from field to jar. Our main objective is to minimize our supply chain by sourcing ingredients directly from regenerative farms. Indulge in the rich flavours of Mitmita for up to two years, meticulously handwritten on the lid for a personal touch.