Today we’ll compare red pepper flakes versus cayenne, two of the most famously fiery chilies that are usually readily available in the store spice rack.
Both are capable of providing a pleasant punch to almost any meal.
Yet, depending on the food, is one better than the other?
Is there a temperature difference?
Are there any additional differences between these peppers?
Therefore, keep reading because we’re going to answer all of these questions here.
Contents
- What Are Red Pepper Flakes?
- What Is Cayenne Pepper?
- Crushed Red Pepper Vs Cayenne: Is One Hotter Than The Other?
- Red Pepper Flakes Vs Cayenne Crushed Pepper: Longevity
- What Is The Hottest Pepper In The World Now?
- What Can You Substitute For Red Pepper Flakes?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Can I substitute cayenne pepper for red pepper flakes?
- What is the conversion red pepper flakes to cayenne?
- Which is hotter chili flakes or cayenne?
- What’s the difference between red pepper flakes and chili powder?
- Is cayenne the same as red pepper flakes?
- Do red pepper flakes make things spicy?
- Is there any difference between red pepper and cayenne pepper?
- How much cayenne pepper for 1 tsp red pepper flakes?
- What’s the difference between red bell pepper and cayenne pepper?
- What is the difference between chili flakes and cayenne pepper?
What Are Red Pepper Flakes?
Red pepper flakes, commonly known as crushed red pepper, are a dried, crushed red chili pepper condiment or spice.
Cayenne pepper is usually the most dominating element in the combination, accounting for the maximum proportion, while the other peppers are added in lower amounts.
This spice comprises jalapeo, Anaheim, and serrano chilies with a heat intensity of 30,000 to 50,000 SHU.
The taste profile is somewhat harsh and earthy, with a moderate amount of spice.
To make red pepper flakes, dry and crush the peppers into flakes, which are then blended with the seeds to give more spice to the combination.
Red pepper flakes are used in a number of foods to enhance taste as well as spice.
They’re great in soups, pizza sauce, spaghetti sauces, stews, salads, curries, tacos, baked goods, veggies, fried chicken, and a variety of other dishes.
Also see: Red Pepper Flakes vs. Chili Flakes
What Is Cayenne Pepper?
Cayenne peppers are linked to both jalapeo and bell peppers.
Before being dried and processed down to cayenne pepper powder, they are thin green to red chili peppers around 2 to 5 inches long.
They are related to bell peppers and jalapenos and are members of the nightshade family of flowering plants.
It has a strong, fiery flavor that improves the flavor of savory foods, sauce (especially Tabasco sauce), soup, or stew, sprinkles it over egg dishes, mixes it into hummus, and stirs it into homemade lemonade for a great kick, among other things.
Cayenne pepper, whether diced or crushed, has been shown to help decrease appetite, lower blood pressure, enhance digestive health, alleviate pain, psoriasis, cancer risk, and increase metabolism.
Crushed Red Pepper Vs Cayenne: Is One Hotter Than The Other?
Cayenne pepper reigns supreme in terms of heat. It is significantly hotter than typical crushed red pepper from the grocery store.
Cayenne powder is manufactured only from cayenne pepper with 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units.
Crushed red pepper, on the other hand, is made up of three or four distinct chillies.
Cayenne is primarily the basis of the mixture, although the intensity may be reduced when the other chilies used have a lower level of heat on the pepper scale. And it’s possible that this is the milder anchor and jalapeo.
But, hey, this isn’t a hard and fast rule.
Crushed red pepper is a blend of different chilies, and the chilies together may be much hotter than cayenne.
Also see: Tomato Puree vs. Crushed Tomatoes
Red Pepper Flakes Vs Cayenne Crushed Pepper: Longevity
Crushed red pepper flakes can keep their freshness for around 2 to 3 years if properly preserved.
Nevertheless, cayenne will probably give you a another year or two (3 to 4-year shelf life). Nonetheless, both should be maintained in good condition.
And there is no better way to keep the taste and power of these peppers than to store them in tight-fitting lidded containers in a dark cupboard.
Without a sure, chili flakes and powders do not spoil as quickly as fresh chili.
If stored properly, the odds of germs getting in are quite low.
But, if it has past its prime, you will notice that the spice color is washed out compared to when you purchased it.
When tasted, there is also a lack of flavor and heat.
What Is The Hottest Pepper In The World Now?
This is not a game for the faint of heart!
Please DO NOT use any of the peppers I’m going to provide if you haven’t eaten any truly hot or spicy meals.
This list is just for devoted spicy food fans who have cultivated the capacity to tolerate these outrageously peppery peppers, not for once-in-a-blue-moon diners.
Well, here’s a list of spicy peppers:
- SHU Carolina Reaper 2,200,000 (1st position)
- 2,009,231 SHU Trinidad Moruga Scorpion (2nd position)
- SHU 1,853,936 Pot Douglah (3rd position)
- 7 Pot Primo (1.469.000 SHU).
- Butch T of Trinidad has 1,463,700 SHU.
- Naga Viper has a Score of 1,349,000.
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) has a SHU of 1,041,427.
- 7 Pot Barrackpore 1,000,000 SHU.
If you think these peppers aren’t hot enough, imagine the hottest thing on the planet: lava. Volcano Lava, not Lava Pepper.
Just a poor joke, but you get the gist, right?
Also see: Carolina Reaper vs. Ghost Pepper
What Can You Substitute For Red Pepper Flakes?
Cayenne pepper powder has shown to be one of the greatest alternatives for red pepper flakes, since these peppers are one of the constituents in red pepper flakes.
But, since they are stronger than red pepper flakes and have a distinct texture, you need use less of them to get the same amount of heat in your meal.
Use 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder for every 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Moreover, they work well as a replacement in sauces, soups, stews, and curries.
If you can’t get cayenne pepper for any reason, you may use Chili de Arbol powder, chili powder, gochugaru, chili paste, habanero powder, chili sauce, spicy paprika powder, or chipotle powder.
Therefore, I’m thinking of making this a separate article so you can gain a thorough grasp of each of these peppers. What are your thoughts?
Conclusion
So, which will it be, red pepper flakes or cayenne? Here are some pointers to get you started:
To begin with, any powder pepper will blend better with a meal, particularly sauces and soups, than flakes.
As a result, if you want an unseen spiciness that permeates the whole dish, cayenne pepper powder is your best choice, albeit the meal may taste hotter, so you may need to reduce the amount.
Crushed red pepper flake, on the other hand, is a better option for topping with a lot of heat.
Perfect for sprinkling on top of pizza, salads, and sandwiches for a fast boost of flavor. Moreover, red pepper flake allows most individuals to better manage their spicing.
Also see: Scotch Bonnet vs. Ghost Pepper
FAQs
Can I substitute cayenne pepper for red pepper flakes?
To obtain the same amount of heat, use four times as much ground cayenne pepper. We suggest beginning with a lesser quantity and gradually increasing to taste. It’s far simpler to add heat than it is to remove it. 2 to 3 Since ground cayenne pepper is manufactured from the same pepper as crushed red pepper flakes, it is an excellent alternative. Use 1
What is the conversion red pepper flakes to cayenne?
If you need to replace red pepper flakes in a recipe, use 12 teaspoon cayenne powder for every 34 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Which is hotter chili flakes or cayenne?
Remember that pepper flakes are significantly less spicy than crushed cayenne pepper, so adjust the heat level as you go. When substituting cayenne pepper for red pepper flakes, keep in mind that cayenne is spicier than crushed pepper.
What’s the difference between red pepper flakes and chili powder?
Both the powder and the flakes are formed from dried chili peppers, but the powder is fine and akin to a powder, and the flakes are little particles of dried chili. While producing chili powder, it is often replaced for other components like as oregano, garlic powder, salt, and cumin, which offer a stronger taste.
Is cayenne the same as red pepper flakes?
Nonetheless, the cayenne pepper is the most usually used pepper for crushed red pepper flakes. The bulk of red pepper flakes will be a blend of peppers, with cayenne accounting for the lion’s share. The makeup will differ based on the brand or business you choose.
Do red pepper flakes make things spicy?
You really can’t go wrong with red pepper flakes, as long as you don’t pile them on. Adding red peppers to a meal at the start will give it a fiery edge, while adding them at the end will give it a gently (and somewhat fruity) spicy edge.
Is there any difference between red pepper and cayenne pepper?
According to the American Spice Trade Association, the recommended term for all spicy red pepper spices is “Red Pepper.” Cayenne Pepper is another name for the same thing. Some producers refer to Cayenne Pepper as a spicier variant of Red Pepper.
How much cayenne pepper for 1 tsp red pepper flakes?
2 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder. 1 teaspoon ground red pepper Equals 1
What’s the difference between red bell pepper and cayenne pepper?
Bell peppers are a subspecies of cayenne peppers (Capsicum annuum), but they are distinguished by their blocky bell form, which is substantially broader than cayenne peppers. Several species of “red peppers” may likewise vary greatly in form and size.
What is the difference between chili flakes and cayenne pepper?
Cayenne pepper is a kind of chili pepper that is often used as a powder. Cayenne peppers, both dried and crushed, are used to make it. Dried and crushed chili peppers are also used to make red chili flakes. Red chili flakes, on the other hand, are often made from a red pepper, such as a cayenne pepper.