Joe's Long Cayenne
This week we’d like to tell you about our favorite pepper variety — where it’s from, how we use it, and why we love it! Originally from Calabria, Italy, this variety circulated through the Italian-Canadian seed saving community in Toronto before being sent to Joe Sesito in Troy, New York. It was introduced to Seed Savers Exchange in 1996 by longtime member Dr. Carolyn Male.
Joe’s Long Cayenne is a show-stopping chili, producing vibrant long fruits. This pepper is prized for its medium-high heat level, making it suitable for drying, use as pepper flakes, and to add a spicy kick to numerous dishes in a variety of cuisines. When eaten fresh, the seeds can be removed for a milder taste, or left in to really turn up the heat!
We grow this pepper specifically for our Fire Cider. Since we make large batches year-round, this long pepper dries incredibly well and saves us time compared to smaller varieties. Because it comes true from seed, meaning offspring are identical to parents, we save seed yearly to continue growing this prized heirloom.
This year we’re growing 175 of these punchy peppers. We still have plants available at market if you’d like to give this vibrant variety a try in your own garden! To let them reach their full potential, harvest 15 weeks from transplant.
Cayenne is used in many herbal formulas as a ‘mover,’ helping to carry ingredients through out your body. Cayenne is an essential component in our first-aid kit, where the powder can be helpful in stopping a bleed. Capsaicin, the component in peppers that gives them the sensation of heat, has numerous benefits throughout various systems of the body. It has long been used in herbal medicine as a counter-irritant, following the concept of “treating like with like,” meaning that capsaicin is often indicated in cases of inflammation and both acute and chronic pain.
Pain Relief:
Capsaicin can act as a natural pain reliever by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter that transmits pain signals.
Heart Health:
Research suggests that capsaicin may help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
Improved Digestion:
Cayenne pepper may stimulate the production of digestive juices and enzymes, which can aid digestion and potentially alleviate digestive issues like constipation.
Appetite Suppression:
Capsaicin can also help reduce hunger, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet and manage weight.
Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties:
Some studies suggest that capsaicin may have anticancer properties, although more research is needed to validate these effects in humans.
Other Potential Benefits:
Cayenne pepper may also offer benefits for circulation, respiratory health (by clearing congestion), and immune function.
Rich in Nutrients:
Cayenne pepper is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune health and other bodily functions.
