!!! - Red African Bird's Eye / Piri Piri Pepper Powder 1kg. / 2.2lb.

What is this Chili with so Many Names?

African Birds Eye fine ground chili pepper powder, also known as African Birds Eye chili powder or simply Peri-Peri powder, is a popular spice derived from the small, fiery chili pepper Capsicum frutescens. The African Birds Eye chili is native to southern Africa, particularly Mozambique and South Africa. The name "Peri-Peri" comes from the Swahili word "pili-pili," which means "pepper-pepper." It was the Portuguese who introduced these chilies to Europe and Asia during their explorations in the 15th century. The appearance of our peppers on the vine are small, typically measuring between 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in length. They are slender, tapered, and have a bright red or orange color when fully mature. The dried powder is usually a vibrant red or reddish-orange. This little fireball goes by a few other names like: African Red Devil, Malawi Bird's Eye, Zanzibar Pepper, Somali Pepper, Kambuzi (in Malawi) chili pepper.

Flavor: Beyond the fiery heat (50,000 to 175,000 SHUs), our premium African Birds Eye chili powder offers a complex flavor profile. It has a mouthwatering fruity and citrusy note, along with a slight earthiness. The flavor can be quite intense, which is why it's often used sparingly to avoid overpowering dishes.

Cuisines: African Birds Eye chili powder is a staple in many African and Portuguese cuisines. It is a key ingredient in the famous peri-peri sauce, a spicy condiment used to marinate and flavor grilled meats and vegetables. This spicy red African chili powder is also used in various stews, soups, and curries to add heat and depth of flavor.

Spicy Cocktails: While not as common as other chili varieties, African Birds Eye chili powder can be used to add a kick to spicy cocktails. Some mixologists may use it in Bloody Marys, margaritas, or other cocktails that benefit from this citrusy African chili powder (think mango or other tropical fruits). Be cautious when using it in cocktails, as it can quickly make a drink too spicy for some palates.

With Magic Plant’s Grade A African Birds Eye chili powder this chile is becoming more popular in various other cuisines including Mexican, Caribbean, Tex-Mex and makes a great contribution in fusion dishes.

This one is a MUST try.

Heat: African Birds Eye chilies are known for their intense heat typically ranking between 50,000 to 175,000 SHUs, making them quite hot. So why eat it?

Like most chili peppers, in certain amounts the sensation can be quite pleasing and causes the release of endorphins in the brain, which make you feel pleasure. Studies suggest that Capsaicin may have certain health benefits, such as pain relief, improved digestion, and potential metabolism-boosting effects. Eat with caution but enjoy the complex flavor provided by Magic Plant Farms' African Bird’s Eye chili pepper (piri piri Chile) Use our premium quality dry chili pepper products once and you’ll be hooked forever! It pairs well with spicy salsas, hot sauces, and chili-based dishes like curries and stews. It can also be used to add a fiery kick to marinades for grilled meats, giving them an exotic  smoky and spicy flavor. For the brave of heart, just add more directly on top!

Too Hot?

Dilute the heat: If you're not used to eating or working with such hot peppers, you can dilute the heat by mixing our dry flakes or ground African Birdseye peppers with our milder peppers like our Low Heat Dried Peppers (Chipotle Morita) or our sweet dried peppers (Green Ancho Peppers, Red Cascabel Pepper, Red Poblano Mulato Pepper, Trinidad Pimento (Trini Pemiento), Peppadew Peppers / Sweety Drop Peppers). This will still give you the rich flavor of the Peri Peri pepper without the overwhelming heat.

Why choose Magic Plant Farms?

GROWING STRONG, TRUSTED PARTNERSHIPS: For over 20 years, our company has successfully cultivated (pun intended) strong relationships with reputable, worldwide farmers that we work hand in hand with along with exceptional Agronomists to continually improve our chili pepper crops by creating optimal growing conditions and chili pepper harvest timing to ensure peak flavor and quality. Our premium chili peppers are pampered in the field, hand-picked, and sorted for quality.

PRESERVING OPTIMAL PEPPER CAPSAICIN BENEFITS AND FLAVOR: Our optimal drying process focuses on drying our premium chili peppers in a slow, low air temperature. This preserves the capsaicin oils, essential nutrients, natural flavors, and aromatic compounds in chili peppers. Due to our optimal drying process, our chili peppers also have a lower risk of spoilage and can be stored for longer periods without losing quality.

EASY TO USE AND COST SAVINGS: Our premium dry chili peppers (Whole Pods, Ground Powder, and Crushed Flakes) easily incorporates into dishes without the hassle of dealing with fresh peppers - safer too. Shelf stable. No fresh pepper spoilage and better storage. Buy in bulk to save money.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Vegetarian, gluten free, no MSG, non-GMO, no additives, no fillers. Kosher

ETHICALLY SOURCED: We support small farmers with sustainable farming methods and fair-trade integrity.

NAME YOU CAN TRUST: We believe in quality, excellent customer service and on-time delivery. Your satisfaction is our priority. Let us know directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Cooking Tips 

• Start with a small amount: African Birds Eye chili powder is potent, so it's best to add a little at a time to your dishes, tasting as you go to achieve the desired level of heat.

• Use it as a seasoning: Sprinkle it over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even popcorn to add a fiery kick and unique flavor.

• Infuse oils and sauces: Mix the chili powder with olive oil or other neutral oils to create a spicy chili oil for drizzling over dishes or dipping bread. You can also use it as a base for peri-peri sauce by blending it with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs.

• Pair with complementary flavors: The fruity and citrusy notes of African Birds Eye chili powder go well with ingredients like lime, garlic, cilantro, and ginger.

• Store properly: To maintain its flavor and heat, store the chili powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

Remember that the heat tolerance varies among individuals, so adjust the amount of African Birds Eye chili powder to suit your preferences and those of your guests when preparing dishes or cocktails. Enjoy the exciting spiciness and flavor this chili powder brings to your culinary creations!