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Nigeria is known for its love of spicy food and chilli peppers play a key role in many of the country’s dishes. Here are some of the most common types of chilli peppers found in Nigeria:
Ata Rodo: Also known as Rodo, Ose Nsukka or Scotch Bonnet: This small, fiery pepper is a staple in Nigerian cuisine, and is used in everything from soups and stews to marinades and hot sauces. The Scotch Bonnet is the hottest of our peppers with a heat rating of 5.
Habanero: Another popular pepper in Nigeria, the Habanero is similar in its sweet, fruity taste and heat level to the Scotch Bonnet but also has a slightly bitter taste. Sometimes its difficult to tell the difference.
Shombo: Also known as Cayenne Pepper: While not as common as the Scotch Bonnet or Habanero, Cayenne peppers are sometimes used in Nigerian cuisine, particularly in dishes that have a West African influence. The Cayenne peppers are narrower and longer. tapering with a curved tip.
Tatashe: Also known as the Red Bell Peppers: This is a larger, milder pepper that is often used in Nigerian stews to add flavour and depth. They create much of the redness of jollof. They may also be chopped up and used in other rice or pasta dishes.
Birds Eye Chillies: Also known as Atawere. Atawere is usually dried and later ground in pepper powder
The bigger peppers are usually blended with other produce such as Onions, Ginger and Tomatoes to make the stews, sauces and soups that are the mainstay of the Nigerian Cuisine while the Birds Eye Chillies are dried and ground. This is by way of preservation but the dried can be used to flavoured cooked foods and grilled meats.
Chilli peppers are packed with nutrients and have been associated with several health benefits. Here are some of the potential benefits of consuming chilli peppers:
Can help with pain relief: Chilli peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which has been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Can help with weight loss: Capsaicin has also been shown to increase metabolism and reduce appetite, which may help with weight loss.
Can help with digestion: The spiciness of chilli peppers may help stimulate digestion and increase blood flow to the stomach.
Can help reduce the risk of heart disease: Some studies suggest that consuming chilli peppers may help reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation, which could help lower the risk of heart disease.
May have anticancer properties: Capsaicin has been shown to have anticancer properties in some studies, particularly in the prevention of certain types of cancer such as prostate cancer.
May improve mood and cognitive function: Some research suggests that consuming chilli peppers may help improve mood and cognitive function by increasing the release of endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the brain that promote feelings of happiness and well-being.
It is worth noting that while chilli peppers have potential health benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may experience digestive discomfort or other adverse effects from consuming spicy foods. As with any dietary change, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet.
EazyNaijaFoods stocks a dry pepper mix which can be reconstituted and cooked into stews particularly a popular street-food pepper sauce called ‘Ofada Sauce’ or used as a base for the vegetable soup ‘Efo Riro’
