The Bird’s Eye Pepper is a type of chili pepper that originated in Guyana. It has a slightly small and round shape, maturing to about a fourth of an inch wide and an inch long. They were given their name because of being spread by birds. The small size made these peppers easy targets for birds. During maturation, the Bird’s Eye will be a light shade of green, and then turn to a hue of orange, to a vibrant red upon fully maturing. The growing process can take over 120 days with the plants reaching heights of fifty inches or more. Bird’s Eye chili peppers are extremely hot to the taste. They rate 100,000-225,000 SHU or Scoville Heat Units on the Scoville heat scale.
Using Bird’s Eye Peppers
There are many different cuisines that use various types of chili peppers to add a fiery spice. Bird’s Eye peppers add a milder heat than most chili peppers. They are widely used in the seasoning of fish or other seafood, as well as non-vegetable dishes. In the world of medicine, researchers have found that the Bird’s Eye has many benefits; easing the pain of arthritis, treating conditions of the stomach, relieving gas, and alleviating toothaches. Bird’s Eye peppers can also be used in Agriculture. The ground form of the pepper can be mixed in water and used as a repellent for insects or a pesticide.
The Burning Sensation
The chemical compound, that causes the burning sensation in chili peppers, is Capsaicin. It is mostly found in the white flesh and seeds on the inside of the pepper. The effects of this compound can vary among individuals, however, most experience a burning sensation of the mouth, throat, and stomach upon ingestion. To combat the intensity of the burn, high fat liquids should be consumed. Water will not provide any relief. Milk is the most suggested antidote. Contact with the skin will also cause irritation and burning. When processing chili peppers, persons should wear gloves and avoid touching other areas of the body. Some people experience watery and red eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. The skin can be washed in milk or baby shampoo to relieve the burning and irritation.
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