Cayenne pepper is a thin, long chili (green to red when ripe) that’s commonly dried and ground into cayenne powder or chili flakes, like the classic “cayenne pepper” shaker you see in pizza places. It’s a reliable way to add sharp heat to soups, sauces, rubs, seafood, and more. Learn more about other chili pepper types.
Scoville Heat Units: 30,000 - 50,000 SHU
Capsicum Annuum
The cayenne pepper is a thin chili pepper, green to bright red in color, about 2 to 5 inches long. It belongs to the nightshade family of flowering plants and is related to bell peppers and jalapenos. Cayenne chilies are usually sold as a powder, as cayenne pepper.
The word cayenne comes from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. Cayenne is great in soups and sauces, on pizzas, as well as over meats and seafoods. Keep it on the table in a shaker as an alternative to salt or pepper.
History of the Cayenne Pepper
The cayenne is one of the most popular peppers used in the Western hemisphere. The name of the pepper is taken from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana, from where the pepper originates and where its first documented uses were found.
Cayenne peppers are usually used as a dried spice, which is made by drying and grinding the peppers or pulping and baking them into cakes, which are then ground to produce the spice.
Cayenne peppers can also be used fresh in dishes, but are a little harder to find outside of the powdered form.
About Cayenne Chili Peppers
Cayenne is a very popular pepper that is used in a variety of dishes and flavorings. You can buy cayenne pepper at most supermarkets in a variety of forms - the most noticeable form being the red powder, but the majority of chili flakes that can be found on the market are from Cayenne peppers.
In addition, the vast majority of popular hot sauces all rely on cayenne for part of their kick, particularly if the sauce also contains vinegar.
Growing Cayenne Peppers
The cayenne pepper is a sub-tropical to tropical plant natively, but they can be grown as annuals in temperate climates as well. They can even be overwintered if protected from frost.
Cayenne plants like some heat with a longer growing season and lots of sun, though they can react poorly to too much heat as much as too much cold.
Plant your seeds when temps are a minimum of 60 degrees F (16 degrees C) in well-drained soil. Seedlings should be spaced 18-24 inches apart in a row.
Be careful not to overwater. See my section on Growing Chili Peppers, as well as this page - a Guide to Growing Chili Peppers.
There are many different types of cayenne peppers, and I have grown many in my own garden. Here are some links to different types.
Types of Cayenne Peppers
When to Pick Cayenne Peppers
Harvest your cayenne peppers when the skins are somewhat waxy in appearance, and the flesh is firm. If they've started to soften, they most likely have started to rot and it is too late to pick them.
The color should be a vibrant red and the pods will be anywhere from 2 to 5 inches long. You can pick your cayenne peppers when they are green, though the flavor will be somewhat grassy and the heat not so intense.
The pods usually ripen in 70 days.
Cayenne Pepper Heat Level (Scoville)
Cayenne peppers typically range 30,000–50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) on the Scoville Scale, putting them firmly in the “medium-hot” zone. That’s about as hot as a serrano pepper, and far hotter than a typical jalapeno pepper, which averages around 5,000 SHU.
Quick comparison: if a jalapeño is your everyday heat, cayenne is the “turn-up-the-dial” pepper, especially in powder form.
What Does Cayenne Taste Like?
Cayenne has a bright, earthy chili flavor with a clean, upfront heat. It’s less smoky than chipotle and less sweet than many paprikas, which is why it works so well when you want heat without changing the personality of the dish.
Best flavor matches: tomato-based soups, vinegar-forward sauces, dry rubs, seafood boils, grilled meats, roasted vegetables.
Fresh Cayenne vs Cayenne Powder
Fresh cayennes bring fresh pepper flavor plus moisture. Cayenne powder brings more concentrated heat that spreads fast (and it’s the most common form people find).
Swap guideline (practical, not precious):
- 1 fresh cayenne ≈ ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne powder, then adjust to taste.
CPM tip: Add powder in small pinches, stir, wait 2 minutes, then taste. Cayenne “blooms” as it hydrates in hot food.
Easy Ways to Use Cayenne (Fresh or Powder)
- Soups & stews: chili, gumbo, beans, lentil soup
- Sauces: hot sauce, wing sauce, BBQ sauce, marinades
- Rubs & seasonings: steak rubs, blackening blends, Cajun/Creole mixes
- Everyday food: eggs, roasted potatoes, mac and cheese, popcorn
- Seafood: shrimp, fish tacos, crab boils, butter sauces
Cayenne Pepper Recipes
There are many, many recipes you can make with cayennes for spicy food lovers. You can use them in any recipe that calls for a milder chili pepper to add a bit of extra heat and kick. I toss them into so many different recipes. Try some of these:
- Homemade Cayenne Pepper Sauce Recipe
- Homemade Cayenne Pepper Powder Recipe
- Garlic Bomb Hot Sauce
- Sun Kissed Umami Hot Sauce
- Sambal Oelek Recipe (the Ultimate Chili Paste)
- Get More Cayenne Pepper Recipes here
How to Store Fresh Cayenne Peppers
- Store dry and unwashed in the fridge (moisture speeds soft spots).
- Use within 1-2 weeks for best texture.
- If they start to soften, use them quickly in sauces/soups, or freeze.
Can You Freeze Cayenne Peppers?
Yes. Freeze whole for convenience or slice first for faster cooking. Expect a softer texture after thawing, so frozen cayennes are best for cooked dishes (soups, sauces, stews).
Does Cayenne Lose Heat When Cooked?
In long-simmered dishes, cayenne can seem milder because it’s diluted throughout the pot and the heat gets “rounded” over time. In quick-cook recipes, it stays hot and spicy, especially when added late.
FAQs
How hot is cayenne pepper (Scoville range)?
Cayenne typically ranges 30,000-50,000 SHU, a medium-hot pepper with a strong “table spice” kick.
What does cayenne taste like?
Bright, earthy chili flavor with clean heat. It boosts spice without adding smoke or sweetness.
Is cayenne hotter than jalapeño?
Yes, cayenne is usually much hotter, roughly 6-10 times hotter on average.
Can I substitute cayenne powder for fresh cayenne?
Yes. Start with ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder per 1 fresh cayenne, then adjust.
What are the best cayenne substitutes?
Crushed red pepper flakes, hot paprika, chili powder, or hot sauce. Choose based on the dish and desired heat.
How do I store fresh cayenne peppers?
Keep them dry, unwashed, and chilled. Use within 1-2 weeks for best texture.
Cayenne Pepper Nutrition
5 grams (1 tablespoon) of cayenne pepper contains the following nutritional value:
- Calories: 17
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 1.4 grams
- Protein: 0.6 grams
- Vitamin A: 44% of the RDI
- Vitamin E: 8% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 7% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 6% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 5% of the RDI
- Manganese: 5% of the RDI
- Potassium: 3% of the RDI
- Riboflavin: 3% of the RDI
Health Benefits of Cayenne
Cayenne contains numerous medicinal properties and is good for your health. Studies have indicated that cayenne and other hot peppers can help boost your metabolism for weight loss, curb your appetite, lower blood pressure, aid digestion, relieve pain and may help support overall health.
Of course you should always seek medical advice from your physician if using cayennes or other peppers for health reasons, such as pain relief, but they are quite healthy for you.
The real benefits come from the active ingredient, Capsaicin.
Learn more about the benefits of cayenne.
Best Cayenne Pepper Substitutes
A question I receive often is, what is a good cayenne pepper substitute? If you happen to run out of cayenne powder, there are many different powders, blends and even hot sauces that you can use. See my post on cayenne pepper substitutes to help you.
Top substitutes (quick picks):
- Crushed red pepper flakes (similar family, adds texture)
- Hot paprika (milder; add more)
- Chili powder (usually much milder; different flavor profile)
- Hot sauce (works when a little liquid is okay)
See also: What is Paprika?
NOTE: This page was updated on 1/16/2026 to include new photo and information. It was originally published on 9/27/2013.
Carol says
Hello Mike,
I bought cayenne seeds from an organic company online. When I started them I was careful to mark them with a colored stick as I was growing 5 different types of peppers. I planted 4 into my raised bed. Now that they are growing well and producing, they look nothing like cayenne that I have grown before. They are 3/4" around and about 8" long. Haven't started to turn red yet. My nephew has a special app which he took a pic and they were identified as cayenne peppers. What do you think? I could send a pic if you are able to receive them. Thanks,
Mike Hultquist says
Carol, you can email pics to me and I can try to help. It's mike@
Dianne Craftiemamma says
My pepper plant had a large seed pod growing out the top of it?! The pod was at least as big as the cayenne peppers themselves, but it stood straight up and the seeds are like little black peas. Thoughts anyone?!