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Chili

The Habanero is the hottest spice with a scoville (measure of hotness) score of 80,000 to 300,000 and comes from Mexico. The Jalapeno only has a scoville score of 2,500 to 10,000. Of course, some have found that the Bhut Jolokia has a scoville score of 1,001,304 and comes from India. Then again, pure capsaicin has a scoville score of 16,000,000.

The capsaicin, which is a chemical found in veins of the Habanero are what makes it hot. Many believed it was the seeds that made the Habanero hot, but it has been proven that the seeds are not hot the capsaicin is what makes the peppers hot. This chemical touches the inside of the mouth, then the membranes and the nerve endings are stimulated. This causes the brain to think it is being burned.

The more capsaicin in the pepper, the hotter the pepper will be, which is why growers continue to see who can produce the hottest Habanero. This is just another contest that you will see at fairs throughout the world. Judges will judge for color and hotness of the pepper.

Recipes that use Chili

Bobby Flay's 16 Spice Rub for Chicken Yields: 3 cups Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cauliflower and Scallions with Turmeric Chili and Mustard Seeds Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes

Chili Chocolate Cake Serves: 6 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes

Chili Olives Yields: 4 cup jar Prep Time: 10 minutes

Chipotle Meatballs Serves: 8 Prep Time: 35 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes

Cumin Scented Stir-Fry Beef with Celery Serves: 1 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes

Drunken Beans Serves: 6-8 Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours

Goat Cheese with Olives, Thyme, Lemon Zest and Chili Flakes Serves: 6-8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes

Greek-Spiced Baked Shrimp with Cinnamon and Allspice Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour

Layered Coffee and Cream Biscuit Cake Serves: 8 Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour

Mole Sauce with Ancho and Pasilla Chile Serves: 6-8 Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour

Padron Peppers Serves: 4 Cook Time: 6 minutes

Red Chili and Sugar Cured Bacon Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes

Sautéed Shrimp with Turmeric and Mustard Seeds Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 8 minutes

Spicy Beef Salad Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes

Spicy Mango Curry Sauce Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes

Spicy Parsnip Soup Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes

Zucchini Fries with Chili Oil Serves: 1 Prep Time: 35 minutes Cook Time: 8 minutes