Ornamental pepper has a wide range of varieties. Some of them are spicy, and some of them are sweet. Some of them even make your dish more delicious. These papers can garnish your platter and make them more desirable.
But is ornamental pepper edible? Yes, it is. You can eat ornamental pepper without worrying about any toxic reactions. Its main purpose is to make your dish more colorful and beautiful.
The name ornamental pipper says for itself. You will find ornamental pepper of different colors like white, purple, red, yellow, orange, black, or green. So, you have more colors for the garden or food.
People of different areas use ornamental pepper in different ways. Making your garden colorful, decorating your food, or adding flavor to them; it can fulfill various purposes. So, let’s dive into the world of ornamental pepper and know more.
Is Ornamental Pepper Edible?
Yes, ornamental pepper is edible, but you need to be careful. Ornamental peppers are usually used to decorate your dish and make them look more appetizing. But they are quite spicy.
If you are not used to spicy foods, consuming a large amount of ornamental pepper can cause your sickness. Many people visit ER or hospitals because they have either eaten wrong or eaten surplus.
The beautiful look of these peppers can make your dish colorful and decorative. If you use a small amount of ornamental pepper in your cooking, it can increase flavor and spice level, but if it is too much, it can burn your mouth and affect your digestive system. As a result, you might feel numbness and pain in your taste buds.
How Spicy Is Ornamental Pepper?
Ornamental peppers are quite spicy. Compared to a jalapeño pepper, ornamental pepper can be ten to twelve times spicier. The range can vary from 10000 to 30000 heat units.
So, if your Spice tolerance is not high, you should not eat ornamental pepper recklessly. However, there are some sweet varieties available.
The spice level of this pepper can be overwhelming if you are trying them for the first time. So, don’t be tempted by their beauty. Eat just enough that you can hand.
How Much Ornamental Pepper Is Good For Health?
If you have a higher spice tolerance, you might be able to eat ornamental pepper without any trouble. But if you are not very fond of spicy food, ornamental pepper can be quite troublesome.
So, how much pepper consumption can make you sick depends on your food habit and spice tolerance.
Usually, you will be able to eat one or two pieces of ornamental pepper without any worries. If the pepper is too spicy, it will create a burning sensation in your mouth. But, if you consume a large amount of pepper that exceeds your tolerance level, you might feel nausea and acidity. Also, you might fall sick of different types of gastrointestinal diseases.
How Long Can You Preserve Ornamental Pepper?
There are different types of preservation methods for chilies and ornamental peppers. You can freeze them or make pickles to keep them in good condition for a long time.
By turning them into pickles, you might be able to preserve them for almost a year. Freezing is also an effective option. You can store peppers by turning them into ice for as long as you wish. But if they do not turn completely into ice, the water remaining in the pepper can cause them to rot easily.
Can Ornamental Pepper Be Carved Into Different Shapes?
Yes, you can use ornamental pepper for food carving. Pepper that has thick and juicy skin is better for this task. Bell pepper is the most commonly used ornamental pepper. This pepper’s large and thick skin makes it easier to shape them.
Can Ornamental Pepper Be Toxic?
Some Ornamental pepper shows poisonous traits that can be harmful to the human body if ingested. It might create nausea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, or inflammation.
So far, consuming the peeper has not shown any e toxic effect on people. But eating the green Leaves can display some of these symptoms. Ornamental pepper trees like Jerusalem Cherry, winter cherry, or nightshade can be harmful to your body. So, before buying or consuming these peppers, know about their origin.
Is Ornamental Pepper Good For Children?
No, you should not give your kids spicy foods. Kids are way more sensitive than adults. They can not spices well. Even if they consume a little pepper, they might get sick.
Children cannot eat spicy foods. So, it is better if you keep pepper, especially the spicy ones, out of kids’ reach.
Is Ornamental Pepper Harmful To Pets?
Some ornamental pepper can be harmful or poisonous for your pets like dogs and cats. Birds, like parrots, like to eat spicy fruits, and eating these peppers is not a big deal. But it is a deal for dogs or cats that can be harmful to their health. They might feel uncomfortable and cause a disturbance. But the effect wears off quite fast.
If you have a pepper tree in your garden, it will not harm your pet as it doesn’t show any allergic reaction upon consuming that tree’s leaves or fruit. So, there is nothing to worry about too much. However, if your pet consumes a generous amount of ornamental pepper or chili, you should consult a veteran to avoid any serious effects.
Final Thoughts
Everything that enters your kitchen or can be used in your food should get intense attention and care, whether its purpose is to go into your stomach or make your table attractive. Ornamental pepper is no exception to that.
So, if you are curious about the quality of your pepper or ask, “is ornamental pepper edible?” it is understandable. You should know how edible your pepper is and how you can use them effectively to make the most out of it.
Knowing the origin and use of different types of ornamental pepper can give you the upper hand in improving your cooking skill. Also, it can give your meal a more interesting and diverse look. So, learn about ornamental pepper and make your cooking experience more colorful now.