Dried bird's eye chili, also known as Thai bird's eye chili or bird's chili, is a small and potent chili pepper variety widely used in many Southeast Asian cuisines. It is known for its intense heat and is often added to dishes to provide spiciness and flavor. When these chilies are dried, they can be used in various culinary applications.
Here's some information on dried bird's eye chili:
1.Appearance: Dried bird's eye chili is typically small, slender, and pointed. The color can range from red to green, depending on the ripeness when harvested.
2.Heat Level: Bird's eye chili is known for its high heat level. The Scoville Heat Scale measures the spiciness of chili peppers, and bird's eye chili usually ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville Heat Units.
3.Usage: Dried bird's eye chili can be used in a variety of dishes to add heat. It's commonly used in Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, and other Southeast Asian cuisines. It's also used in spice blends, curry pastes, and sauces.
4.Preparation: Before using dried bird's eye chili, it's often recommended to soak them in warm water for about 20-30 minutes to rehydrate them. Once rehydrated, they can be chopped or ground before being added to dishes.
5.Storage: Like other dried spices, it's best to store dried bird's eye chili in a cool, dry place to maintain their flavor and potency.
When working with dried bird's eye chili, it's essential to be cautious, as they can be very spicy. You can adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance and the desired level of heat in your dish.
