Produce Briefs...
Mache
Mache has been cultivated in France since the 17th century, and in France it is known as doucette. It is also known as "lamb's lettuce" because its leaves resemble the size and shape of a lamb's tongue.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Red Cayenne chile peppers are available May to September.
Description/Taste
Growing on a treelike plant with multiple, vertical stems, Red Cayenne chilies, are thin-fleshed and are bright glossy red. Curvy, wrinkled and elongated, newer varieties of the cayenne chilies are shorter and blockier than older varieties. Offering serious heat, its tart flavor has dusty, smokey tones and an acidic, pungent, intense heat. So intense, in fact, it is recommended the seeds and veins be removed. Primarily used in powdered form, it is called cayenne powder, red pepper or simply cayenne pepper. Scoville units: 7-8 (30,000-50,000)
Nutritional Value
A dietary plus, capsicums contain more vitamin A than any other food plant. Chiles provide an excellent source of vitamin C and the B vitamins, and significant amounts of iron, niacin, thiamin, magnesium, and riboflavin. Capsicums increase the metabolic rate and are excellent for the weight-conscious. The thermic effect of chiles requires six grams of chile to burn off an average of 45 calories in three hours.
Applications
Cayenne chile peppers are exceptionally spiced and should be used with caution. Add diced cayenne to chili and stew. Combine minced chile, with garlic, lime and oil, then use to marinate and grill chicken. Use diced chile, brown sugar and oil to coat acorn squash, then roast until tender. Cayenne chile peppers should be refrigerated and used within two weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Claiming therapeutic qualities, cayenne powder is used as a powerful stimulant to help blood flow to the extremities as an aid to the circulatory system. Mixed with other herbs, this chile pepper is used to ease the discomfort of colds and flu. Added to soup, it is used to cauterize a sore throat. The ground pods of the cayenne chile remain an important part of the pharmaceutical trade.
Geography/History
Cayenne chilies are reputed as being one of the world's hottest chile peppers, but the habañero is actually hotter and holds the hottest chile pepper title. African cooks especially favor the heat of the rather intimidating cayenne chile, along with Hunan, Thai, Szechuan and Pakistani cuisines.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Cayenne Chile Peppers. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Smitten Kitchen |
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Roasted Acorn Squash with Chile-Lime Vinaigrette |
| Menu In Progress |
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Chile-Lime Chicken |
