Cascabel Chili
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What it is
The cascabel chili is a variety of chili pepper, scientifically known as *Capsicum annuum*. It is a small, round, dried chili pepper that originates from Mexico. When dried, its seeds rattle inside, giving it the name 'cascabel,' which means 'little rattle' in Spanish.
Why it's used
Cascabel chili is used as a spice to add a mild, smoky, and slightly nutty flavor to foods. It is often used in Mexican cuisine, including sauces, soups, stews, and marinades. It can also be found in spice blends and rubs for meats and vegetables.
Health notes
Cascabel chili is a food ingredient and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a spice. Like other chili peppers, it contains capsaicin, which may have some health effects, though research is ongoing. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated capsaicinoids, but specific evaluations for cascabel chili as a distinct ingredient are not widely published. Evidence on health benefits or risks is mixed and often related to high-dose supplements rather than typical dietary intake.
Allergen info
Cascabel chili is a fruit and not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.