Seasons/Availability
Thai chile peppers are available year-round.
Uses
Thai chiles are ideal for making hot sauces, salsas, curries, soups, and stir-fries. They can be diced or sliced into thin rings to accompany salads and sushi dishes. The peppers can also be pickled and preserved in olive oil or vinegar to create spicy condiments that can last for months. When cooked, the seeds should be removed before eating, as they tend to contain more of the heat than the flesh of the pepper itself. Thai chilies are essential ingredients in popular Southeast Asian cuisines such as Thai food and Vietnamese pho. Chile pastes like nam prik pao (made with roasted Thai chiles, garlic, and shallots) are commonly served as condiments at meals. Additionally, the peppers can be used to make spicy marinades and seasonings for grilled meats and vegetables. In Thailand, chile powder is also frequently added to desserts like mango with sticky rice. Thai chilies are an excellent source of vitamins A and C as well as carotenoids. They may help fight inflammation, boost immunity, and relieve pain.
Storage
Thai chiles should be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Whole peppers can last up to several weeks when stored properly. If given enough air circulation they can also be refrigerated in a plastic bag for up to two weeks or frozen for longer periods of time. To keep for longer, the peppers can be dried or pickled before storing.
Tips
When handling Thai chilies, it is important to wear gloves and avoid touching your eyes. The heat of the pepper’s oils can cause discomfort if not handled properly. Be sure to also remove all seeds from the pepper before consuming to minimize the spiciness. Lastly, when cooking with Thai chiles, start off with less than you think you need as their spiciness can easily overpower a dish!
Nutrition
Thai chilies are rich in vitamins and minerals. One pepper contains around 11 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 0 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein. It is a good source of vitamin A which helps support vision health. Additionally, the peppers contain high amounts of vitamin C for immune system support as well as potassium to help reduce blood pressure levels. Lastly, Thai chilies are a great source of carotenoids which act as powerful antioxidants in the body. These nutrients may help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
