Seasons/Availability
Red Cherry chile peppers are available summer.
Culinary Uses
Red Cherry chile peppers are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as roasting, sautéing, boiling, baking, and grilling. They can be used fresh in salads, stir-fried with vegetables and proteins, roasted or pickled as a condiment or side dish. Red Cherry chile peppers can also be blended into sauces such as salsa or pesto. They pair well with garlic, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, corn cheese tortillas, meats such as pork and beef chicken. In addition to fresh preparations Red Cherry chilies can also be dried for extended use.
Storage
Store Red Cherry chile peppers in the refrigerator away from direct heat and sunlight for up to one week. For longer storage, wash and dry thoroughly, place in a plastic bag, and freeze for up to six months.
Nutritional Value
Red Cherry chile peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, folate, potassium as well as containing antioxidents such as lycopene. They also contain magnesium which helps regulate blood pressure levels. Red Cherry chilies are low in calories with just 15 per cup.
Safety
It is important to wear gloves when handling chile peppers as the oils can irritate skin and eyes upon contact. The heat of the pepper is concentrated in the seeds, so be sure to remove them for less spice. When working with hot peppers it is best to avoid touching your face or eyes after contact. If irritation does occur, wash hands thoroughly with soap and cool water. It is also advisable to seek medical attention if discomfort persists.
Added Benefits
In addition to their culinary uses Red Cherry chilies have numerous health benefits such as aiding digestion, preventing inflammation, reducing cholesterol levels, improving circulation, alleviating pain, preventing blood clots, and boosting immunity. They are a great source of beta-carotene, which helps the body to synthesize Vitamin A. They can also offer relief from congestion and sinus issues by clearing out clogged passages. Lastly, Red Cherry chilies are believed to contain anti-cancer properties that may help reduce free radical damage in the body.
Uses
Red Cherry chili peppers can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried for extended use. Fresh chilies can be added to salads, sandwiches, soups and stews for a spicy kick. When cooking with fresh chilis it is important to remove the seeds as they contain most of the heat. Dried chiles are often ground into powder and used as seasoning in sauces such as salsa or pesto. They can also be reconstituted in liquid and blended into a hot sauce or paste. Red Cherry chilies are an excellent source of flavor and heat, so use them to spice up any dish!
With their bright color, mild flavor, and numerous health benefits, Red Cherry chili peppers are a great addition to any meal. Enjoy their delightful taste while boosting your immunity and lowering your blood pressure levels.
