Most known as a pungent and sometimes tear inducing spice, cayenne is the fruit of Capsicum annuum and is often used for its healthful qualities and robust flavor. Cayenne belongs to the nightshade family and is a variety of Capsicum annuum, a genus and species that covers a breadth of peppers including bell peppers, paprika, red chili peppers, and pimento. Originally native to the Americas, cayenne has been used for millennia and is one of the oldest cultivated foods worldwide.

Our organic cayenne powder is typically between 20,000 – 50,000 HU and is considered moderately pungent. The pungency of chili peppers has historically been measured using a subjective assessment called the Scoville scale. This unit of measurement assigns heat units (SHU or HU) based off the warming and occasionally burning sensations personally experienced when eating a pepper. However, with cayenne capsules, you should experience no burning sensations in the mouth when ingesting.

Traditionally, cayenne powder has been used for its beneficial properties in both external and internal applications. This common kitchen ingredient has an affinity for the circulatory system and digestive system and is considered energetically hot. Cayenne has travelled worldwide, imparting itself into a variety of cultures and helps to enliven culinary recipes such as chilis, marinades, spice blends, and stir fries. Cayenne is often tinctured, infused for salve making, or encapsulated.