Bird’s eye Chili : Spice of the moment

Bird’s eye chili is small but carries quite a kick. This super-hot chili has been used in the culinary world and for medicinal purposes alike since it was first discovered, and it is our family’s pride and passion to grow them at their spice farms in Cambodia, which imparts a strong aromatic flavor in the dishe.

Bird’s eye chili is a variety of hot pepper that belongs to Capsicum frutescens, which is primarily African, Asian, and tropical American.

Did you know ?
Aptly named as bird’s eye due to the tendency of birds to eat its seeds since they are not affected by the pepper’s spiciness as they scatter the seeds all around.

A Rare and Demanding Crop

That bird’s eye chilies are grown with commercially low yields per plant Fresh Chilies – about 200g; per annum that goes down to around 50g when dried and that this chilli is organically farmed makes it a variety that needs careful attention. Natural pest control techniques like pheromone traps and organic fertilizers prepared from compost and cow dung are used at La Plantation to ensure sustainable production.

What is the Scoville scale ?

The Scoville Scale, developed by Wilbur Scoville in 1912, measures the spiciness of peppers based on their capsaicin concentration.

How it compares to other chilies:

Bird’s eye chilli scores between 100,000 and 150,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making it significantly hotter than many common chilies.

Comparison with Other Chilies:

• Jalapeño: 2,500 – 8,000 SHU
• Cayenne Pepper: 30,000 – 50,000 SHU
• Habanero: 150,000 – 350,000 SHU
• Carolina Reaper: 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 SHU

The bird’s eye chili is very spicy, so caution must be taken when handling it. It’s preferable to wear gloves and to wash your hands well afterward, otherwise, your skin will get irritated.

Supports digestion

This chili stimulates gastric juices due to the presence of capsaicin, which helps digest food and protects from bloating, but consumption in excess can cause irritation to sensitive stomachs.

Anti-inflammatory & heart Health

A few other studies have indicated that capsaicin has the potential to enhance circulatory functions and reduce inflammation as well as the level of serum LDL. Thus, it may prove to be a favorable addition to one’s diet, diminishing the probability of coming down with cardiovascular diseases.

Antimicrobial & metabolism-boosting properties

 The antibacterial property of bird’s eye chili can be useful in dealing with low-grade infections. It also enhances metabolism and increases calorie burning, helping in weight loss.

Balancing heat and flavors

In its intensity, chilli should be used rather sparingly. The best approach is to grind it gradually and taste as you go for the perfect heat level. Bird’s Eye Chili Usage.

• Green Bird’s Eye Chili: A pretty delightful ingredient to be tossed with ‘ceviche’ and other crispy and refreshing concoctions giving them a sharp, fresh green chili flavor.
• Red Bird’s Eye Chili: To infuse new life and chocolatey heat to various desserts; or simply deepen the character of your stews and sauces.
• Smoked red Bird eye’s Chili: Infuses oils, barbecued fish, and pasta sauces with a smoky richness sample-text.
• Chilli flakes: Combination of red, green, and white crushed bird’s eye chillies for a multi-purpose seasoning.

• Arrabiata Pasta: Replace standard chilli flakes with bird’s eye chilli for double fire in the sauce.
• Chili con Carne: Add one whole dried chili when you cook it and it will give the slow-releasing heat.
• Spiced Ratatouille: Season with a pinch of smoked chilli and lift the classic Mediterranean flavours still higher.
• Pumpkin Soup: A little sprinkling of ground bird’s eye chilli provides a fine contrast to the natural sweetness of pumpkin.
• Spicy Pizza: Drizzle the infused chilli oil over your homemade pizza for a subtle smoky kick.
• Homemade Curries: Lend your green or red curry productions using authentic South East Asian heat by means of dried or fresh red bird’s eye chillies.

Bird’s eye chili is a great addition to Khmer curries. Whether used in green or red curries, it adds extra heat to spicy dishes. Just a touch of this chilli can transform a traditional recipe into an even more intense taste experience!

Southeast Asia

Known as “Thai chilli” or chili padi, bird’s eye chilli is an essential ingredient in many Thai, Cambodian, and Malaysian dishes. In Cambodia, it is often crushed with salt and sugar to accompany fresh mango or pineapple. It also enhances traditional dishes like Amok fish curry and Cambodian noodle soups.

Africa & the Caribbean

In Africa, bird’s eye chili is commonly referred to as pili-pili and is used to spice up stews, grilled meats, and traditional sauces. In the Caribbean, it is known as piment martiniquais and is key to fiery Creole sauces and marinades. Whether in a spicy rougail from Réunion Island or a Haitian hot sauce, this chili is loved for its bold, vibrant heat.

Pour conclure, voici les réponses aux questions les plus posées à ce sujet

1. What’s the difference between green & red Bird’s Eye Chili?

Green chillies are picked before they fully ripen so they’re very fresh and have less heat. The red ones are allowed to ripen on the plant so they are fuller, hotter versions.

2. Is Bird’s Eye Chili hotter than Cayenne?

 Yes, bird’s eye chillies are about three times hotter than cayenne, topping out at around 150,000 SHU opposed to cayenne’s 50,000 SHU.

3. Can too much Bird’s Eye Chili have side effects?

Overconsumption may cause stomach irritation which results in heartburn or even excessive sweating. Therefore, it is advisable to begin with minute amounts and increase the dosage over time.

4. How Can You Prepare Bird’s Eye Chili for Cooking?

Powdered: Grind dried chilies in a spice mill for a fine powder to sprinkle over dishes.

Infused: Add whole chilies to oils or sauces for controlled heat.

Chopped: Finely dice fresh or dried chilies and mix them directly into your food.

Beyond its fiery heat, bird’s eye chili is a flavourful and versatile spice with culinary and health benefits. Cultivated with care at our sustainable Cambodian spice farm, it embodies tradition, craftsmanship, and bold taste. Whether enhancing curries, elevating cocktails, or adding depth to desserts, this little chilli is a must-have for spice lovers.

Ready to experiment? Start by adding bird’s eye chili gradually to your favourite recipes and discover how a touch of heat can transform your cooking!