By Barbara Pleasant | September 4, 2024
Autumn often brings a vibrant harvest of hot peppers—also known as chilis. While drying these fiery fruits for culinary use is a common choice, there are many other innovative ways to make the most of them. From crafting homemade hot sauces to creating natural remedies, here are four exciting and practical uses for hot peppers.
Safety First: Handling Hot Peppers
Hot peppers pack a punch thanks to capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat, measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). For reference, mild jalapeños have around 2,000 SHUs, while habaneros can soar to 250,000—and some varieties exceed a million! Handling these peppers requires caution:
- Wear Gloves – Capsaicin can irritate the skin and cause severe discomfort if transferred to sensitive areas, like your eyes.
- Work in Ventilated Areas – Potent peppers can release capsaicin vapors that may irritate your eyes and throat. Consider preparing them outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.
- Clean-Up Tips – If capsaicin gets on your skin, rub your hands with cooking oil, wash with dish soap and warm water, then finish with rubbing alcohol for thorough removal.
1. Easy Hot Honey
Hot honey is a versatile treat, perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables, enhancing salad dressings, or soothing a scratchy throat. Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients: 16 ounces (464 g) honey, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and a handful of hot peppers (some chopped, some whole).
- Instructions: Combine honey, vinegar, and peppers in a saucepan. Heat gently over medium-low heat until bubbles form, then reduce to low and cook for 10 minutes. Cool slightly and strain into jars, adding one whole pepper to each jar for presentation.
This sweet and spicy concoction also makes an excellent homemade gift!
2. Spicy Hot Pepper Vinegar
A Southern staple, hot pepper vinegar is a simple yet flavorful condiment often used on cooked greens, beans, and more.
- Method: Fill a heatproof container with trimmed or split hot peppers, then cover them with simmering vinegar. Once cool, transfer to bottles. For extra flair, add garlic cloves or fresh herbs.
This tangy, spicy vinegar elevates any dish it touches.
3. Fermented Hot Sauce
Fermenting hot peppers is a beginner-friendly way to create complex, tangy sauces. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preparation: Slice hot peppers into rings and pack them into a clean jar with a garlic clove.
- Brine: Mix 1 tablespoon of salt with 2 cups (0.5 L) water and pour over the peppers. Cover with a cloth or use a vapor lock to allow gases to escape.
- Fermentation: Stir every few days. After about a week, the liquid will appear cloudy, and the peppers will soften.
- Finishing Touch: Replace half the brine with vinegar and store in the refrigerator. Blend small batches to create your own hot sauce.
This simple fermentation process yields a bold condiment you can customize to your taste.
4. DIY Hot Pepper Lotion
Capsaicin-based lotions can provide pain relief by distracting the brain from discomfort. While store-bought creams are available, you can easily make your own.
- Capsaicin Oil: Combine chopped cayenne or similar hot peppers with 1 cup of almond oil in a covered baking dish. Heat at 250°F (120°C) for two hours, let cool overnight, then reheat for another two hours. Strain through a coffee filter.
- Lotion Blend: Mix the oil with your favorite lotion. If the two don’t combine well, microwave for 10 seconds and stir.
This low-burn lotion is perfect for soothing sore muscles without leaving greasy stains.
Conclusion
Hot peppers are far more versatile than you might think. Whether you’re enhancing your kitchen creations or experimenting with natural remedies, these four uses are sure to ignite your creativity—and perhaps a bit of heat!