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A veggie of the day

Mushroom

Cultivated mushrooms with a white cap and stem. Primarily grown in Europe and English speaking countries.

Hawai Mix 400 g

Hawai Mix 400 g. A quick and healthy ready-made dish. Rice with green peas, corn and red peppers. A vegetarian dish.

Horseradish - does not fear the coldest of climates

Frost-resistant vegetables.

Chilli

Latin:

Capsicum annuum/Capsicum frutescens

A spicy variation of the annual pepper or fruit peppers (capsicum frutescens.) It originates from South America and is grown for its unusual flavour.

Chillies contains capsaicin which is an alkaloid which is responsible for its tangy flavour.

100g chilli – 40 kcal

It contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene, and vitamins B₁, B₂, B₆, C i E.

A spice of the world

Chilli is a spice known all over the world, valued in many cuisines, especially Indian and Mexican. It is mostly used in a dried or powdered form, but can be also available fresh or marinated. It perfectly enhances and strengthens the flavour of dishes and is also known for its warming properties. Of late, it has been seen in the company of sweets and desserts such as chocolate, both traditional and hot varieties.

Spicy and healthyChilli contains capsaicin – an alkaloid responsible for its tangy flavour. The spice has also some healthy properties, and is used in pain-relievers and warming ointments. The alkaloid stimulates metabolism and digestion, which makes chilli helpful in diets. The application of capsaicin in treatment of cancer is currently subject to research. Chilli is also a source of ascorbic acid, known as vitamin C.

Scoville's scaleIn 1912 the American chemist Wilbur Scoville developed Scoville's scale for assessing the spiciness of food, especially chilli peppers. The spiciness level of chillis depends on the variety and conditions of cultivation. Scoville’s scale assesses the level of spiciness based on capsaicin content.

Chillies are the spices known all over the world and is valued in Indian and Mexican cuisines.

Chilli used in self-defence

Capsaicin is used in production of tear-gas known as pepper-spray. The properties of this ingredient are useful in self-defence, but we should remember to wash hands thoroughly after handling chilli. Even the smallest amount, when it comes to contact with tissue, eyes, tender or sensitive areas of skin, can cause unpleasant consequences.

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Veggiepedia - discover the world of vegetables with us...

Information about veggies, nutritious value in vegetables and their influence on health. Interesting, useful and surprising information about vegetables.