What is a habanero pepper?
Habanero peppers once held the title of the world’s hottest chili pepper, although other chilies have taken over the crown – don’t let that fool you. A habanero is still a hot pepper! This unique pepper has a citrusy taste with a hint of a smokey flavor – which makes it great for hot sauce and rubs.
The statement the smaller the pepper the hotter it gets – is 100% accurate. Habaneros are a relatively small pepper and they turn orange as they ripen. Word of advice – wear gloves when cutting a habanero pepper! Even when wearing gloves, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly when you take the gloves off. You do not want to have any remnants left on your hand and then touch your eye! If you like hot foods, here are 5 habanero flavored items to try.
Pepper Jelly
Habanero pepper jelly can be spread over cream cheese and served with crackers or spread on toast. It is really good on a sandwich and many love the jelly on salmon or white fish. When serving it with fish, spoon it on while the fish is hot and let it melt. Delicious. My favorite way to use habanero pepper jelly – on wings!
Margaritas
Strawberry habanero margarita is the best margarita you will ever drink! If you like spice, then you will love this drink. Your lips may burn from the heat but that is followed by the smooth, sweet flavor that mellows it all out. You actually get the flavor of the pepper, not just hot/fire.
Salsa
Habanero salsa is for those of you that do not fear heat! Actually, this salsa packs the perfect amount of heat. It is spicy, yet you can make it so that it isn’t overly, eyes tearing, nose running, spicy. Serve it with tortillas or your favorite Mexican meal.
Wings
A chicken wing isn’t a great chicken wing unless it’s got heat! Habanero chicken wings can be made with heat yet brought down a bit with sweet. You can try a pineapple habanero sauce, honey or mango. Combining the habanero with the sweet result is a hot, sweet flavor that’ll make your wings stand out from the rest.
Cheesy Poppers
Three words. Fried Habanero poppers. Crunchy on the outside with a cheesy, bacon mixture on the inside. These little guys will pop in your mouth. You really can’t go wrong with these, the flavors are amazing and just downright addicting!