Capsicum fruits concentrate special substances that give their intensity. These are called capsacinoids which is the ingredient that causes different heat level when they are ingested.
Capsicum peppers are measured under the Scoville scale,
named after its creator Wilbur Scoville. This American scientist developed in 1912 the “Scoville Organoleptic Test” which consists in a method to measure the rating of pungency in units, depending on the quantity of capsaicin.
Pure capsaicin, which is a hydrophobic, colorless, odorless and a crystalline waxy substance, measures around 16,000,000 scoville units (SHU). habanero chiles rank at around 300.000 SHU meanwhile Jalapeño rank at about 3000-6000 SHU.
It is important to know that chili pepper powder is hotter than chili mash. People who like spicy food should know some information about capsicum peppers.
Even if the consumption of habanero chili peppers is good for health, it is also important to know about possible risks of eating or touching them. Here are some recommendations:
The consumption of capsicum products do not cause stomach aches, but it is better that people with irritable bowel syndrome do not include them in their diary diet.
Never swallow whole habanero chiles! Some cases has shown that unchewed capsicum peppers can cause a bowel obstruction and perforation.
The consumption of habanero chili peppers after anal fissure surgery like hemorroids should be forbidden to avoid postoperative symptoms.
After touching a capsicum chile, people must always wash their hands and use milk instead of water. It is really important not to have contact with eyes.
Even if hands are clean, the heat produced by the capsicum ingredient stays impregnated in the skin and may cause some irritation, so people should wash their hands continually during the day.
In case someone ingests habanero chiles in any form that could cause pain, relief may come with:
A tomato juice or a fresh lemon.
Milk instead of water, rinsing the mouth with it.
Rice or bread which absorb the effect of capsicum.
Once people get accustomed to heat level, it will become more tolerant to habanero chiles and they will be able to eat hotter and hotter chillis without having to resort to these cures.
Useful Resources for SpiceSolution
Chipotle
Capsicum
Habanero Peppers
Chili or Chile Pepper Powder
Habanero Dried Peppers
Pickled Habanero Peppers
