You Can Make Habanero Peppers Less Spicy. Here's How
What's better than drenching a plate of eggs with your favorite hot sauce? What about sprinkling a handful of sliced jalapeños over a plate of nachos? Or demolishing a plate of fiery glazed chicken wings or tortilla chips and salsa? The savory seasoning of hot peppers enhances any dish's flavor and adds a little something (or a lot of something) extra to each bite. The sensation of eating intensely flavored foods even gives us an adrenaline rush and makes us feel good, according to Healthline.
Habanero peppers are among the most common chili peppers in the world. They boast a pleasant citrusy flavor, making them a popular ingredient in bottled sauces and salsas. They even contain high content vitamins A and C, are low in sodium, and are completely calorie-free (via The Spruce Eats). But thou shalt not be fooled by a habanero's tiny size and vibrant reddish-orange skin — they definitely have a kick to them. In fact, the mighty habanero used to be the world's hottest chili pepper with 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville heat units, according to PepperScale.
What's the easiest way to make habanero peppers less spicy?
Let's say you're not in the mood to eat something that will make your tongue go numb — or you're just not as spice tolerant as your friends. This is where a mini science project comes in handy. The most effective way to decrease a habanero's heat, even just a little bit, is easier than you may think. And it all has to do with knowing the source of the heat. Contrary to popular belief, the seeds of chili peppers are not fully responsible for the extreme spice. Most of a pepper's capsaicin — the chemical compound that creates a "burning" sensation when you eat spicy foods — is located in the white pith that holds the seeds, The Spruce Eats reports.
So, in order to slightly reduce a habanero's spiciness, remove the white part inside the pepper, at least as much as you can. Bon Appétit also recommends soaking the "de-ribbed" peppers in alcohol (such as tequila, vodka, or whiskey) to remove the heat almost entirely. The pepper will keep its flavor, but won't cause any pain to the eater. Always be sure to wash your hands thoroughly when handling hot peppers and do everything in your power to not touch your eyes. Trust us on this one. Now, go ahead and spice up your life!