Indian red chili powder is very different from the red chili powder that is available in American stores. These may actually be spice blends where the chili powder may contain onion powder, cumin powder, garlic powder and other spices, typically used in the dish called ‘chili’.

In addition to quality, consumers also look for organic turmeric powder that is sustainably sourced. This means that manufacturers should prioritize ethical and environmentally-friendly practices in their production processes, such as supporting small-scale farmers and using eco-friendly packaging.

Let's get into some history. Capsaicin was first extracted in 1816 by Christian Fridrich. Further work by John Clough Thresh led to its naming in 1876, but it wasn´t until 1898 that Karl Micko isolated the compound in pure crystalline form. A century later, in 1997, David Julius discovered and cloned the cellular receptor for capsaicin, and brought a new level of understanding on how capsaicin works. We´ll get more into this science in the second part of this blog.

Paprika is made by grinding dried peppers into a fine powder, while bell pepper powder is made by dehydrating and grinding fresh bell peppers. Paprika is often smoked before it is ground, which gives it a distinctive flavor.

Not only that, but it has a distinct heat and spicy taste that won't disappoint. It also adds a smoky flavor to your dishes that can help enhance the overall flavor and aroma of your final dish, marinade, and sauce.

Q: Can I control the spiciness of crushed red pepper? A: The heat of crushed red pepper can vary, but you can control its spiciness by using more or less in your dishes.

Chili powder blends spice, warmth and complexity into dishes. In its absence:

First, I should say that recipes for Chiu Chow chili sauce are rather limited. A quick Google search rendered relatively few findings—just a handful of variations that left me less than satisfied. So, I turned to a key source in any home cook’s arsenal—the label on the store-bought version.

Why We Love It: One of our best-sellers, this hot sauce provides a perfectly balanced flavor profile of spicy cayenne and habanero peppers with brown sugar, assorted spices, and a hearty dose of garlic that goes well with pizza, pasta, and other Italian-inspired dishes. But let’s be honest, what dish doesn’t taste better with a little extra garlic?