Gardening in California

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Habanero Peppers

Habanero peppers are delicious and nutritious. These extremely hot peppers contain Vitamin C and capsaicinoids. The capsaicinoid that makes peppers hot is capsaicin, an anticoagulant, which may help prevent blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Studies show that capsaicin may facilitate weight loss by decreasing appetite and increasing the metabolic rate of the body. Capsaicin triggers the release of endorphins, so eating hot peppers can make you feel good. Some people claim that eating hot peppers is addictive.

Habaneros can be added to all kinds of recipes to make them spicier. We use habaneros in pasta dishes, spaghetti sauce, homemade barbeque sauce, soups, and omelets.

Habaneros are very hot peppers. You can reduce the heat of your peppers by removing the seeds and ribs. Wear gloves while handling habaneros to prevent the painful experience of getting the oil in your eyes. After chopping habaneros, remove your gloves and wash your hands before touching your eyes or face.

People who experience a burning sensation from eating hot peppers should drink milk rather than water. Milk contains a chemical called casein that attracts capsaicin. Drinking or rinsing with milk will relieve the burn, much better than water.

The habanero plants in our Southern California back yard grow year round. The plants are attractive and fairly easy to grow. If you want to grow habanero plants from seeds, they will require a well-drained soil, heat, and patience. Habanero seeds may take a very long time to germinate.

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