Q: Dear Dave, My son is doing a science project involving hot sauce. He knows that capsaicin makes a pepper hot, but what "stops the hot?” We have heard that dairy is best, but what we don’t know why. Thanks for your help, Alice and son A: Hello Alice:Information I have says that the protein casein in dairy products somehow strips …
Looking for Delizie di Calabria in the U.S.
Q: Hi Dave,I am looking for a source in the U.S. to buy the condiments made by Delizie di Calabria. I’m half Calabrese so these hot peppers awake many good memories.Thank you, Marco Romano A: Hello Marco:I saw one of the salsa products in a pricey shop in Scottsdale, so the Delizie di Calabria sauces seem to have …
How Close Are HPLC Ratings to Scoville Ratings?
Q: Hello Dave,How close are HPLC ratings to Scoville ratings? I’ve asked several people about this but I can’t seem to get a very specific answer. Does a 35,000 heat unit pepper based on Scoville testing have the same pungency as a 35,000 heat unit pepper based on HPLC testing? I was always under the impression that Scoville ratings are …
Red Chiles vs. Bleach
Q: DD:Red chiles have an intense color, which is especially powerful in extract hot sauces like "Dave’s Insanity." A friend had the mishap of a hot sauce rack falling from the kitchen wall, with bottles spilling sauce on a light-colored countertop. Any idea what helps get rid of the stains?—HZA: HZ:The bleach worked on my test stain!—DDA: DD:My theory is …
You Need Flowers to Make Pods
Q: Hi Dave,I have started to grow chiles and green peppers and would like to know if it is good to break off the flowers of the small trees. Does it help them develop a good root system? Or is it a bad practice?Thank you, Johan MaraisSouth Africa A: Hello Johan:No, do not remove the flowers, as you need flowers to …