Birds Eye Chilli - Ground
Birds Eye Chilli - Ground
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R44.34
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R44.34
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SKU:SLSP-000007|200 SHAKER
The Bird's Eye chili (also known as Thai chili or Piri Piri) is a small, highly potent chili pepper originally from Central and South America, widely cultivated across Africa and Southeast Asia. It is famous for its fiery punch, fruity undertones, and prevalence in local and global hot sauces.
Core Characteristics
- Appearance: The peppers are small and tapered, usually measuring 2 to 3 centimeters in length. They typically start green and ripen to a vibrant, bright red, though yellow, purple, or black variations exist.
- Scoville Heat: They register between 50,000 and 100,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This makes them roughly equal to a mild habanero or up to 40 times hotter than a standard jalapeño.
- Flavor Profile: They have a sharp, intensely pungent heat combined with a bright, slightly fruity, and earthy flavor.
Plant & Name Origin
- The Name: It is presumed to be called the "bird's eye" because of its small, round, eye-like shape and because birds naturally eat the peppers and disperse the seeds (as birds are immune to capsaicin, the chemical that causes the heat).
- The Plant: It is a perennial plant belonging primarily to the species Capsicum annuum or Capsicum frutescens. It grows as a sturdy shrub that can reach heights of up to two meters in warm, tropical climates.
Culinary Uses
- African Cuisine: Widely known as Piri-Piri or Peri-Peri, it is the foundation for fiery marinades and traditional African-style barbecue sauces.
- Asian Cuisine: A staple in Thai, Vietnamese, and Cambodian cooking, it is used whole, sliced, or crushed in stir-fries, curries, and pastes.