Q: Sir:Where are chiles from? Where does the influence come from? Is it an Asian influence, Spanish, French? American Indian or Central American Indian? I remember from American History that Chinese ships were familiar with the West Coast. Thanks for your time, Mel A: Hello Mel:Chiles originated in Bolivia, South America and were spread by birds all over South and Central …
The Hottest Part of the Chile
Q: Dave,All logic would say that the hottest part of a chile is the capsaicin glands themselves, since this is where the capsaicinoids are produced. But my buddy says that it is the seed. Which individual part of any chile is the absolute hottest?Thanks, Chris Weaver A: Hello Chris:The hottest part of the chile is the placental tissue, where both capsaicin glands …
Why Dairy Stops the Hot
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 …
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 …
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 …