Cayenne pepper

Buying Cayenne Pepper: Capsaicin Capsules from Capsicum annuum

Cayenne pepper is a spicy chili pepper from the nightshade family (Capsicum annuum) that you probably know as a sharp kitchen herb. The dried, ground fruits have been used for centuries to flavor dishes. In supplement form, you typically find cayenne pepper as a powder in capsules, so you don't have to taste its distinctive sharp flavor.

In our collection, you'll find cayenne pepper primarily in the form of vegetarian capsules, including products from Swanson. You can choose pure cayenne pepper capsules or complexes where cayenne is combined with other plants, such as turmeric and hawthorn. Below, you can read more about what cayenne pepper is, where it comes from, and what to look for when buying it.

What is cayenne pepper?

Cayenne pepper is a ground product of ripe, red peppers from the species Capsicum annuum. The pepper is named after the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. It is characterized by its sharp, burning taste, which is caused by the naturally occurring substance capsaicin. Cayenne pepper is used both in cooking and in dietary supplements.

What is capsaicin?

Capsaicin is the substance that gives peppers their sharp, pungent character. It is naturally present in the fruits of Capsicum species and largely determines how spicy a pepper tastes. The more capsaicin, the spicier the pepper is perceived. Product labels sometimes state the capsaicin content or the strength of the pepper.

What does cayenne pepper naturally contain?

Cayenne pepper is the dried and ground product of the ripe fruits of the Capsicum annuum plant. The characteristic substance capsaicin is naturally present in these peppers and provides the sharp taste. In the kitchen, you encounter cayenne pepper as a loose spice powder and as an ingredient in spicy dishes, spice blends, and sauces. In supplement form, the ground powder is processed into capsules.

Origin of cayenne pepper

The Capsicum annuum plant is originally from Central and South America, where peppers have been cultivated and used for thousands of years. Through explorers, the pepper spread to the rest of the world and became a staple in many cuisines. Today, cayenne pepper is widely grown in warm regions and dried and ground into powder.

Forms and strength (Scoville / SHU)

The strength of peppers is often expressed in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), a scale that indicates how spicy a pepper is. Cayenne pepper typically falls into the mid-range of this scale: spicier than a mild bell pepper, but less hot than the sharpest peppers. In supplement form, you mainly encounter cayenne pepper as ground powder in capsules, where the label indicates the amount per capsule (e.g., in milligrams).

Dosage and use

Cayenne pepper supplements are usually offered as capsules with a fixed amount of powder per capsule. How much you take and how often varies by product and brand. Always follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct dosage and use.

When do you take cayenne pepper?

The timing of intake varies by product and brand. Due to their sharp taste, cayenne pepper capsules are often taken with a meal and with plenty of water. Whether you spread it throughout the day or take it at a fixed time depends on the specific supplement. Always follow the instructions on the packaging for this.

Who is cayenne pepper interesting for?

Cayenne pepper particularly appeals to people who appreciate the spicy taste of peppers and want to add cayenne to their daily routine in a simple way. Because the capsules encase the sharp taste, they are a practical alternative to loose powder. Are you using supplements or medicines, or are you pregnant? Then consult your (general) practitioner or pharmacist first.

What to look for when buying cayenne pepper?

When choosing a cayenne pepper supplement, pay attention to the amount of pepper per capsule, whether it is pure cayenne or a combination with other plants, and whether the capsules are vegetarian. Also, look at the brand and origin. In our collection, you will find cayenne pepper from Swanson, both pure and in combination with turmeric and hawthorn. Compare the labels to choose the product that suits you.

Also, check out our other collections Herbs & Plants, Turmeric, and Oregano.