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HABANERO

published on 30/12/2023
The Habanero peppers typically have the shape of a small pepper or what is also called a "lantern." Their most distinctive feature is the vibrant range of colors, ranging from green to yellow, orange, and even intense red, along with different aromas and spiciness levels they impart. Native to the Amazon, it quickly made its way to Mexico, becoming the world's largest producer. Despite this, the name comes from the Cuban city of Havana (La Habana), where it was marketed. In 1999, it was included in the Guinness World Record as the world's hottest chili, although it has since been surpassed by other cultivars.
Belonging to the Capsicum chinense species, it is also known as the "Dominican Devil’s Tongue" and "Ball of Fire." The fruit has a lantern shape with an elongated tip, but sometimes it has a conical point, while other times it may have a recessed apex. Its size ranges from 2 to 8 cm in length and 1 to 4 cm in width.

Most Habaneros have a Scoville rating between 200,000 and 600,000. The spiciness is not immediate but manifests within a few minutes, lasting up to an hour in the mouth. It is appreciated for its spiciness, which is neither excessive nor mild but adds character to dishes without suppressing flavors.
There are multiple varieties, including Amarillo, Bianco, Chocolate, Cappuccino, Caribbean red, Peach, Golden, and Fatali. Particularly noteworthy is the Red Savina, with a fruity aroma reminiscent of ripe apricots. In powdered form, it acquires floral notes, black tea, and spices similar to coriander seeds. It is ideally used in the preparation of red and white meat, soups, and sauces, imparting character and liveliness to dishes like sauces, stews, and meat.
Thanks to its floral characteristics, a pinch of Habanero Red Savina blends exceptionally well with cake and cookie preparations.

Habanero pâté, how delicious!

The pâté is ideal for preparing garlic, oil, and chili pasta and is perfect on crostini and canapés.
During the winter months, when the availability of fresh chili is limited, this pâté becomes the perfect choice to enhance garlic, oil, and chili pasta. The preparation is simple: In a pan, heat garlic, being careful not to exceed 20 seconds to infuse aroma into the oil. Next, add a teaspoon of pâté per diner. Cook the pasta, preferably an egg pasta like tagliolini or a thick wheat spaghetti, and when one minute is left until complete cooking, toss the pasta in the pan, adding cooking water. For a fresh touch, serve with chopped parsley.
On a crostino, the pâté can be used accompanied by cheese, salmon, or on canapés for a tasty appetizer.


The Habanero dressing

Habanero dressing is versatile and works perfectly to enhance various dishes. It's great on pizza, to season roasted meat, and in salads. Although not recommended for fish, it proves excellent for red and white meat, soups, and tomato pasta. Its intensity and spicy character can add a bold and vibrant note to a wide range of culinary preparations.

Never Without Habanero Again

Freshly chopped, or raw chili pulp, is a perfect substitute for fresh chili fruit during those times of the year when it is not available except when grown in a greenhouse, where it loses all its organoleptic characteristics of aroma and flavor. It can be used as a versatile seasoning, adding flavor to dishes, creating unique flavored butters, or enhancing the taste of sauces and mayonnaises. To season, simply put a teaspoon of the chopped chili in a recovery jar, mixing it with oil and your choice of aromatic herbs. Add the chopped chili to mayonnaise or at the end of cooking a sauce to ensure the right spiciness and the flavor of fresh chili.

Classic hot

Habanero chili powder can be used in various ways to enrich dishes. It can be sprinkled on pizza, roasts, and other dishes to add a spicy and aromatic touch. Its versatility allows enhancing the flavor in many culinary preparations. Never forget that a pinch of chili a day keeps the doctor away (a saying from my grandmother Agatina).
Additionally, Habanero chili powder pairs well with Paleo wine, even though the latter is an oaked wine. The combination of the spiciness of the powder and the notes of Paleo wine can create an interesting fusion of flavors, adding a spicy and vibrant element.


Flavorful Spiciness

Habanero salt, expertly prepared with fresh chili, imparts a enveloping and intense flavor to dishes. This type of salt adds a spicy and aromatic touch to meals, bringing along the distinctive characteristics of Habanero chili.
Smoked salt is particularly suitable for seasoning roasts. The smoky note adds depth and complexity to the flavor, introducing a rich and robust element to the meats.
This product can also be used to create fantastic aromatic butters. How? For 120 grams of butter, use a heaping teaspoon of salt and spread it on toast and crostini.