Piri Piri Peppers (Birds Eye Peppers) (50g)

Piri piri peppers, also known as African bird's eye peppers, are small chili peppers originating from Africa.

Here are some key points about piri piri peppers:

1. Appearance: These peppers are small, slender, and typically measure around 1 to 2 inches in length. They mature from green to red or yellow and have a vibrant color when ripe.

2. Flavor and Heat: Piri piri peppers are known for their fiery heat. They have a Scoville heat rating ranging from 50,000 to 175,000, similar to other hot peppers like cayenne. Despite their heat, they also offer a fruity and slightly tangy flavor, adding depth to dishes beyond just spiciness.

3. Culinary Uses: Piri piri peppers are a key ingredient in the famous Portuguese hot sauce known as "piri piri sauce" or "piri piri marinade." The sauce is used as a seasoning or marinade for grilled meats, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Piri piri flavor is popular in various dishes across Africa and has gained international popularity.

4. Health Benefits: Like other chili peppers, piri piri peppers contain capsaicin, which may offer various health benefits such as pain relief, boosting metabolism, and having antioxidant properties when consumed in moderation.

5. Availability: Fresh piri piri peppers might be less common in some regions outside of Africa or Portugal, but dried piri piri flakes or powders can be found in specialty spice shops or online for use in cooking.

When handling piri piri peppers, it's essential to use caution due to their heat. They can be added sparingly to dishes to impart heat and flavor. Adjust the quantity according to personal heat tolerance to avoid overwhelming spiciness in a dish.