From the land of Mexico comes a variety of the chili pepper species ‘capsicum frutescens’ popular as the Tabasco Pepper. A type of chili pepper best known for being a key ingredient in tabasco sauce (a popular hot sauce used in various cuisines) the pepper is typically, small and slender about one to two inches in length, and mature from green to yellow, orange, and finally to red when fully ripe. The article delves into key characteristics, uses, and health benefits of Tabasco peppers.
Where Are Tabasco Peppers Found?
Tabasco peppers are cultivated primarily in the southern parts of the US where they have been traditionally grown to produce tabasco sauce. These peppers need warm temperatures and well-drained soil to thrive. Moderately hot and somewhat like cayenne peppers in terms of spiciness, they have a fruity and tangy flavour, (with a noticeable heat that lingers) which contributes to the unique taste of tabasco sauce.
What Are Other Uses Of Tabasco Pepper?
Tabasco peppers have become iconic in the culinary world due to their association with Tabasco sauce, which is widely recognized and used globally. Apart from being the key ingredient in this sauce, they are used fresh or dried in various culinary dishes to add spice and flavor. They are sometimes pickled too. Like other peppers, tabasco peppers are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and vitamin A. The peppers have capsaicin which is loaded with many health benefits.
Also Read: Eat These 5 Foods To Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin A - Infographic
What Health Benefits Tabasco Peppers Offer?
Tabascos like many spicy peppers, offer several potential health benefits due to their unique chemical composition. Here are some of them:
Bolsters Immunity
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Tabasco peppers are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, B6, and riboflavin. They also contain minerals such as potassium, and magnesium.
Manages Symptoms Of Inflammatory Diseases
Capsaicin, the active compound in Tabasco peppers is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Boosts Metabolism
Spicy foods are known to augment metabolism and may promote fat burning. This effect is due to the heat generated by capsaicin, which can raise body temperature and stimulate the production of heat shock proteins.
Provides Pain Relief
Topical applications of capsaicin extracted from tabasco peppers are used in pain-relieving creams and patches. Capsaicin works by desensitizing nerve receptors that transmit pain, offering relief from conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, and muscle pain.
Bolsters Digestive Health
Spicy tabasco peppers may stimulate digestion by increasing saliva production and promoting gastric secretions. This can aid in digestion and alleviate symptoms of mild to severe indigestion.
A Word Of Caution
Consuming Tabasco peppers or products should be done in moderation, especially for individuals with gastrointestinal conditions or sensitivities to spicy foods.
Also Read: Are Spicy Foods Good For The Gut? Effective Ways To Heal Digestive System
Now that you are familiar with the nutritional benefits of tabasco peppers, let us explore a simple chutney recipe with this vibrant red vegetable which can be used as a condiment or a spicy dip. Alternatively, you can choose to store it for later or enjoy it immediately.
Indian-Style Tabasco Pepper Chutney
Ingredients
- 10- 15 tabasco peppers
- 1 finely chopped large onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 chopped small tomato
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Method
- In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat
- Add mustard and cumin seeds to the oil and let them crackle
- Add onions and garlic to the pan. Sauté until translucent
- Add chopped tomatoes and Tabasco peppers to the pan
- Stir until the peppers and tomatoes become soft
- Once the mixture has cooled down a bit, transfer it to a blender and make it into a smooth paste
- Let the chutney cool completely before transferring
- You can refrigerate the chutney for up to 2 weeks
- Enjoy your Indian-style tabasco pepper chutney with its unique blend of Indian flavors!
Nutrition
Tabasco pepper chutney can be served as a condiment with snacks and can also be used as a spicy spread for sandwiches or wraps. Not only does it provide many health benefits, but Tabasco is a great appetizer that can enhance the tastebuds and upkeep the digestive system.
(This article is reviewed by M Sowmya Binu Health And Nutrition Expert)
Author Profile:
Preeti Sharma:
Preeti Sharma has a master’s in electronic media and mass communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
- Placenta, Pericarp, and Seeds of Tabasco Chili Pepper Fruits Show a Contrasting Diversity of Bioactive Metabolites
Felipe Cervantes-Hernández, Paul Alcalá-González, Octavio Martínez, and José Juan Ordaz-Ortiz*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835813/
2.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0023643820303005
