Golden Cayenne Chile Peppers
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Golden cayenne chile peppers are elongated, slender, and slightly twisted, averaging 12 to 25 centimeters in length and 1 to 3 centimeters in diameter, and have a straight to curved, conical shape that tapers into a pointed tip on the non-stem end. The skin ripens from pale green to bright yellow when mature and is waxy and smooth. Underneath the surface, the flesh is thin, pale yellow, and crisp, encasing a central cavity filled with ivory membranes and a few flat and round, cream-colored seeds. Golden cayenne chile peppers have a sweet-tart, smoky flavor with a pungent, intense heat.
Seasons/Availability
Golden cayenne chile peppers are available in the summer through early fall.
Current Facts
Golden cayenne chile peppers, botanically classified as Capsicum annuum, are elongated, ornamental pods that belong to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Considered a moderately hot variety, Golden cayenne chile peppers range 30,000-50,000 SHU on the Scoville scale and are a larger and smoother variation of the well-known red cayenne chile pepper. Also known as the Yellow cayenne chile pepper, Golden cayenne chile peppers are a specialty variety that is predominately found fresh in home gardens, grown both as an ornamental and as a flavoring for culinary applications. The plants are highly productive, growing up to forty fruits at one time, and provide visual interest with their bright yellow pods in green gardens. Like the red cayenne, Golden cayenne chile peppers are typically dried and ground into a powder as added flavoring and heat.
Nutritional Value
Golden cayenne chile peppers contain high amounts of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and boost the immune system. The peppers also contain capsaicin, which is a chemical compound that triggers the brain to feel the sensation of heat or spice and has been shown to help stimulate the circulatory system and contain anti-inflammatory properties.
Applications
Golden cayenne chile peppers are most commonly used fresh or are dried and ground into a golden powder. Before using the pepper fresh, the inner ribs and seeds should be discarded, and gloves should be worn to protect the skin from the capsaicin. For fresh preparations, the peppers can be chopped and added to salsas, sauces, marinades, soups, stews, and curries. They can also be used in stir-fries, casseroles, sautéed with vegetables, or cooked into jellies, jams, and relishes. Golden cayenne chile peppers can be used as a substitute in recipes calling for jalapeno, serrano, or habanero peppers. The peppers are also highly used in southern, creole, and cajun dishes, incorporating a mix of many different peppers, spices, and herbs to flavor gumbos, seafood, rice dishes, and one-pot meals. Golden cayenne chile peppers pair well with herbs such as thyme, sage, oregano, and parsley, tomatoes, onions, garlic, bell peppers, meats such as sausage, beef, and poultry, shrimp, and beans. The peppers will keep up to one week when loosely stored whole and unwashed in a plastic or paper bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Cayenne chile peppers have been widely adopted into Asian cuisine for their spicy, pungent nature. Believed to awaken the metabolism and stimulate sensory receptors, spice is utilized in Asian cuisine to enhance the flavors of the dish and create a balanced meal. While the cayenne pepper is often dried and ground into a powder in other global cuisines, they are commonly used fresh in Asian cuisine, especially in poultry-based dishes, to showcase the pod’s bright hues and is used as a decorative garnish. Cayenne peppers are also blended into hot sauces and are served as additional condiments on Asian restaurant tables to personalize dishes and intensify the heat.
Geography/History
Cayenne chile peppers are native to South America, specifically to French Guiana, which is located on the northeast coast, and have been cultivated since ancient times. The pepper was then spread throughout South and Central America and into the Caribbean, and in the 15th and 16th centuries it was introduced to Europe and Asia via Spanish and Portuguese explorers. Golden cayenne chile peppers were created from the original cayenne pepper varieties from South America and are a variation that was developed in the United States. Today fresh Golden cayenne chile peppers are found in limited availability through specialty grocers in the United States. The pepper can also be found in dried and powdered form at supermarkets, online retailers, and health food stores.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Golden Cayenne Chile Peppers. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Seattle Author |
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Golden Cayenne Hot Sauce |
| Creative Recipe |
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Yellow Cayenne Pepper Sauce |
