Cayenne or red pepper is used to flavor dishes, especially in Mexico, Central and South America. Therefore, it can also be added to coffee to add an interesting twist to its traditional flavor.
Spices in coffee have a long tradition in Turkish and Mexican culture. Cayenne pepper in coffee is a natural extension of these ideas and works well as long as you like your coffee with a spicy flavor profile.
Table of Contents
Why cayenne pepper?
Both cayenne pepper and coffee have health benefits when consumed responsibly. So if you like coffee and spicy food, the temptation is to enjoy both together. You can also balance the coffee with milk and chocolate so that the taste of the cayenne pepper is not too strong.
Health Benefits of Cayenne in Coffee
Cayenne pepper has been extensively studied and linked to a number of health benefits. One of the most supported claims is that cayenne pepper increases metabolism through a process called thermogenesis.
This was studied using the effects of a component of cayenne pepper, capsaicin. Studies show that those who ate it for breakfast burned an average of 51% more calories than another control group.
Other benefits of cayenne pepper in the diet include lowering blood pressure and suppressing appetite to aid in weight loss.
Aside from the nutritional and health benefits, a simple reason to add cayenne pepper to coffee is for its taste.
Are there any health risks from using cayenne pepper in coffee?
Although cayenne pepper has many benefits, it can be harmful to some people. If you already have problems with stomach ulcers, acid reflux, or heartburn, cayenne pepper and coffee can make these problems worse.
Also, some people are already sensitive to the caffeine content of a cup of coffee. Too much caffeine in coffee can increase intestinal problems, anxiety, insomnia and nervousness.
Cayenne pepper burns
Burns from hot drinks are not uncommon. However, spicy foods can also cause burns. Capsaicin, a property of cayenne pepper, while beneficial to health, is highly acidic and can sting the skin, mouth, or eyes.
If you feel any burns, do not drink water to cool the burn. Instead, grab some milk or yogurt and leave it in your mouth for a while. The water moves the capsaicin oils and sometimes makes the pain worse, while the fats in the milk break down the oils and reduce the pain.
To relieve the stinging pain of a pepper burn, soak the affected area in a cold milk compress. If the oil gets into your eyes, you can rinse them with milk. Milk does not hurt the eyes and is the easiest to dissolve the capsaicin.
How can you put cayenne pepper in coffee?
The easiest method is to add the pepper to a ready-made cup of coffee. Some people add milk and sugar to balance out the spiciness, but many spice lovers also enjoy cayenne coffee on its own.
On the other hand, cold brew cayenne coffee is also possible and can be even more effective than hot coffee because the pepper has more time to dissolve.
Below is the detailed recipe for preparing this special Cold Brew.
Tools
- French press
- Kettle
- coffee glass
Ingredients
- 25 grams of ground coffee
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
- 8-10 ice cubes
- 750ml of water
Preparation steps
- Boil the water.
- Place the ground coffee and cayenne pepper in a French press.
- Fill the coffee press with hot water.
- Put the lid on and let it steep for 4 minutes, then press the tamper down.
- Pour the coffee into a carafe or equivalent and leave to cool.
- Place ice cubes in a tall glass, then pour in the coffee.
- Stir well and serve.
Conclusion
Cayenne pepper is a popular addition to many dishes, and coffee is no exception. The pepper goes well with coffee and offers additional health benefits. With the right amount of cayenne in your coffee, you can give your cup a kick and bring it up to cafe standard.
