Q: Dear Dave,How do I stop the burn if I touch my face and eyes after handling and/or eating very hot peppers?–Alexis A: Hello Alexis:Rubbing your hands with vegetable oil is said to work, and then scrub with strong detergent. The only thing to do about the eyes is flush them with water.–Dave
Growing Chiles from Seed
Q: Hey Dave,I was wondering… How far in advance do I need to plant seeds in the house, to have the plants ready to plant in my garden? I have some peppers that I would like to grow from seed, or at least give it a shot. I have heard that the best way to plant them is to barely …
Homemade Heat Test
Q: Dear Dave,I am currently doing a science fair project on the effects of hot sauce on the tongue. I am trying to make my own "homemade" test, similar to the methods used by Wilbur Scoville, to use on subjects. I was wondering if you ("The Pope of Peppers") could offer some suggestions on proper yet simple methods of testing …
Preserving Pepper Paste in Tanzania
Q: Hi Dave,My recipe for a pepper paste contains scotch bonnet, ginger, garlic, salt and vinegar. I want to bottle it for sale here in Tanzania. To preserve it, could I hot water bathe it or do I need to pressure-cook it to prolong shelf life?Thanks and good luck, Judy McIntosh A: Hello Judy:Since vinegar is a preservative, a boiling …
Chiltepin, Sometimes Called Birdseye
Q: Sir,I am looking for a pepper that is round, about the size of a pencil eraser. My father always called these "Birdseye," but when I went to your page and saw the picture they didn’t look anything alike. These are real hot peppers and I would like to know where I can buy the seed for my garden.Thanks, Steve …