El Chile Habanero is among the spices most important globally, which is due to the great culinary versatility offering being used in the kitchen, either for the purpose of spicing and / or as an accompaniment to many foods, since it has a powerful flavor.
The Habanero pepper, scientifically known as Capsicum chinense “Habanero” , is a remarkable spicy spice within the Capsicum genus . Normally it appears in an orange (semi-mature) and reddish (mature) tone, although it is equally possible to find it in other colors such as brown, pink, white and yellow.
characteristics
One of the main characteristics of the habanero pepper is that it has a peculiar shape that, in some way, reveals its flavor. Also, this chili stands out for going through various stages of maturation in which it acquires a different color .
It begins with a greenish hue, then turns orange and finally takes on a red color. Likewise, it is possible to also obtain other varieties that have different degrees of itchiness.
Like the pepper, the habanero pepper is part of the Solanaceae family , which is among the favorites of many people when it comes to filling their refrigerators, especially during the summer, since it allows them not only to be eaten fresh, but also use it to prepare sauces and even, as an accompaniment to various hot dishes and stews.
Origin of the habanero pepper
The Capsicum chinense is native to the lowlands found in the Amazon basin, a place from which it spread to Colombia, Venezuela, the Antilles, Guyana , etc., thanks to both the potters and the farmers who used to migrate to those land.
However, currently Mexico has managed to position itself as the main country for its production, since each year it manages to collect around 1,500 tons of habanero pepper, which has allowed it to be considered a true benchmark within the gastronomic culture of the Yucatan.
Culture
The seeds have a very high germinative power , which is why it is very easy for them to germinate without many problems after a couple of weeks from their cultivation.
In this sense, it should also be mentioned that it is enough to grow it within a coconut fiber substrate that has sufficient humidity, and as for the subscriber, we can say that it is possible to find numerous commercial substrates whose composition includes a certain amount not only of organic matter , but also potassium, phosphorous, nitrogen and other micro elements.
Temperature and lighting
The habanero pepper has the ability to tolerate a constant and direct exposure to sunlight without problem, despite the fact that this is not usually highly recommended, since it accelerates not only its maturation process, but also the change in color . In any case, the most advisable thing is usually to grow the Capsicum chinense in a space where it is at an approximate temperature of 23-25 ° C.
When grown indoors, it can be a bit easier to make sure you maintain that temperature, however, you need to make sure to provide adequate sun exposure for several hours a day, in addition to following a good moisture regime for the substrate.
Irrigation
When summer arrives, temperatures tend to increase, as does the water needs of the habanero pepper , so it is important to make sure to keep the substrate constantly humid in order to promote good absorption of both water and nutrients through its estate.
It is essential to keep in mind that the stagnation of irrigation water must be avoided, since otherwise it can produce rots and facilitate the development of fungi. Regarding the quality of water , it is possible to use tap water as long as generous irrigation is carried out frequently in order to mobilize the salts that have accumulated around the substrate.
As for its pruning, make sure to keep its growth under control by periodically cleaning pruning, to prevent it from becoming a small jungle in the home .
Properties of the habanero pepper
Among the main properties it has, it is possible to highlight the ones mentioned below:
Chemistry
The habanero pepper has a great source of compounds because it has both capsaicinoids and carotenoids , and according to various investigations, both elements have immense biochemical activity. So its consumption helps prevent and also protect the body from various degenerative conditions, which could significantly affect your health.
Nutritional
The presence of capsicin in the composition of Capsicum chinense has allowed them to be highly valued within the diet of many people; In addition, they have a high contribution of vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, iron, niacin, thiamine and riboflavin , also having a low sodium level.
Healing
Capsaicin is the main substance that habanero pepper has, which gives it that spicy sensation that characterizes it so much , and it stands out for being very useful for promoting blood irrigation, and is even considered to have the ability to help prevent the development of blood clots, while preventing the hardening of the arteries, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks.
Similarly, having a high contribution of vitamins A and C, they are also very useful to prevent the development of vision problems, as well as in the gums, mucosa and also in the teeth .
Benefits of habanero pepper
Among the main benefits that habanero pepper can offer, the following can be mentioned:
It is a great source of vitamin A and has twice the amount of vitamin C , which citrus often offers, in addition to helping to optimize the immune system. Because it has a high content of both antioxidant flavonoids and beta-carotenes, its consumption helps to slow down aging, thus maintaining a younger appearance.
It helps to relieve headaches, since having capsaicin has the ability to fight migraines and, at the same time, it is very helpful in relieving arthritis . It promotes general well-being because its capsaicin content provides great antibacterial properties, which help prevent and treat various sinus problems.
It stands out for being a powerful anti-inflammatory , so its consumption is very effective in reducing not only muscular pain, but also rheumatic pain; likewise, it allows to reduce the cholesterol levels present in the blood.
It is very beneficial for metabolism, since its contribution of capsaicin is characterized by being a thermogenic agent, which allows to increase metabolic activity and consequently, allows not only the body to burn fat, but also calories.
It favors happiness, since its consumption encourages the production of endorphins and consequently, allows the development of a pleasant state that causes a sensation similar to that experienced when consuming alcohol.
