When processing Habaneros, their biting heat plays the main role. How is such a chili pepper used so that dishes benefit from it? This is not only a question of the quantity, but also of the correct handling.
Delicious sauces and pickles can be made from habaneros
Process fresh
If you grow habaneros yourself, you will harvest plenty of fresh pods in the summer. These may end up freshly picked in the cooking pot. Be economical with the amount, approach the sharpness.
Due to their enormous heat, Habaneros will hardly be the main ingredient in this country. They are only used in modest amounts as a source of pungency. For example in a fiery Chili con Carne. Only a brave few dare to make salsas and sauces.
wear gloves
Habaneros are cut into small pieces so that the spiciness of this type of chilli is exposed and can be distributed evenly in the food. Contact with the inside of the pod is unavoidable.
It is therefore essential to wear gloves, otherwise your hands will burn uncomfortably for a long time. If you do come into contact with the sharpness, you should immediately rinse the affected skin with water.
defuse chillies
If you like the fruitiness of the Habaneros but not all of their heat, you can tone down the pods a bit.
- cut open the pods
- Remove cores completely or partially
- the threads on which the seeds are attached are also sharp
- if necessary, also cut these away
tips
If you don't like spiciness at all, then the sweet "Sweet Habanero" variety is the ideal alternative for you.
Preserve habaneros
If the fresh Scots cannot be used in a timely manner, you can also preserve them by drying or freezing them. Which method you should use to preserve the chillies depends on how you want to use them later.
Frozen habaneros retain their flavor and spiciness for a whole year. However, since they are mushy after thawing, they are only suitable for food that will be cooked. Dry chilies taste even more intense. They can also be ground into powder.
Pickle habaneros
Pickling is another way of processing Habaneros. With the main ingredients vinegar, salt and oil, the pods stay in the jar for a long time and can be used up gradually. You can find various recipes online.