Chilies Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper, specifically a cultivar of Capsicum annuum. It is known for its moderate heat and is dried and ground into a powder for use as a spice. It originates from the Americas but is now grown worldwide.

Manufacturers use ground cayenne pepper primarily as a spice to add heat and flavor to foods. It is commonly found in savory dishes, sauces, marinades, and spice blends. You'll often see it in processed foods like frozen appetizers, snacks, and cheese products.

Cayenne pepper is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. Its active compound, capsaicin, is responsible for its heat and has been studied for various potential health effects, though evidence is mixed and not conclusive for specific benefits or harms at typical dietary intake levels. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated capsaicinoids, but no specific limits are set for cayenne pepper itself in food. Some people may experience digestive upset from very high amounts.