Cayenne peppers are a type off Capsicum annuum notable for their fiery flavour. Typically, they are long, slender red peppers with curved tip. The spiciness of chili peppers is quantified in Scoville Heat Units (SHU) - the higher the SHU, the hotter the pepper. This cayenne is rated between 20,000 - 30,000 SHU.
A mainstay of Creole and Mexican cuisine, cayenne pairs well with garlic, onions, lemons, limes and fresh herbs (such as cilantro and oregano). The intensity of the flavour and heat increases with cooking, so it is advisable to start with a small quantity and adjust to achieve the desired level of heat.
