African Birds Eye (Piri Piri) Chile Powder

Botanical Name: Capsicum fruitescens ‘African Birds Eye’

Flavor: Spicy, Tangy, Fruity, mildly Sweet, with just a hint of Smokiness

Heat Level: Very Hot - 100,000 to 175,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units)

Origin: Africa

Use With: Chicken, Beef, Pork, Fish, Seafood, Shrimp, and Vegetables

Description: The Portuguese introduced South America’s chiles to Africa (specifically Mozambique) in the early 16^th century from whence they spread throughout the continent developing their own identity and evolving into uniquely African varieties. While we may call them African Birds Eye Chiles or the African Red Devil Pepper, the Swahili people gave these chiles the name Piri Piri (also spelled Pili Pili and Peri Peri) which translates literally as ‘Pepper Pepper’, a name that is still widely used today especially in Spain, Portugal, and, of course, Africa. Used fresh, pickled, dried, processed into chile powder, and the prime ingredient in the famous Piri Piri sauce, these culinary powerhouses lends their definite heat with an underlying subtle smokiness and a rich sweetness that lingers alongside its long burn to just about any type of food making them a favorite of heat lovers.

Suggested Uses:

An essential ingredient for truly authentic Piri Piri Sauce and Piri Piri Chicken, African Birds Eye (Piri Piri) Chile Powder can be used anywhere that you would use ‘Cayenne’, ‘red chile powder’, ‘red pepper’, ‘crushed red pepper’, ‘pepper flakes’, or any variety of dried chile powder for a definite kick of heat…

• Use to add heat and a unique flavor to salsas and hot sauces
• Add to marinades, tomato based sauces, soups, stews, dressings, and dips for a good bit of flavorful heat
• Add to a dry rub for meats, fish, and vegetables
• Dust lightly over shrimp, corn-on-the-cob, or burgers right off the grill for an incredible boost
• Whisk 1 teaspoon African Birds Eye Chile (Piri Piri) Powder with 4 Tablespoons melted butter, 2 cloves finely minced fresh garlic, juice of 1 lemon, and salt to taste for a simple spicy marinade or to brush over fish, shrimp, and vegetables for the grill
• Sprinkle lightly over scrambled eggs, smashed potatoes, popcorn, pizza, pasta, or anywhere else you want to add some heat!