Vegetable, Spice | Vegan Gluten Free Low Calorie Mediterranean

Peri Chily

Capsicum frutescens 'Piri-piri' Allergen-Free
Peri Chily

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine African, Portuguese
  • Seasonality Summer, Fall
  • Source Piri-Piri chili plant

What Is Peri Chily?

A small, fiery chili pepper originating from Africa, popular in Portuguese and African cuisine for its intense heat and fruity undertones.

What Does Peri Chily Taste Like?

Peri Chily has a fiery hot, fruity, slightly acidic taste with pungent, fruity, peppery aromas.

Taste
Fiery hot, fruity, slightly acidic
Texture
Crisp (fresh), Papery (dried), Smooth (sauce)
Aroma
Pungent, fruity, peppery
Acidity
Low-Med

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 10g (1 medium chili)
Calories40 kcal
Total Fat0.2 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.9 g
Total Carbohydrate8.8 g
Dietary Fiber1.5 g
Total Sugars5.3 g
Calcium18 mg
Iron1.2 mg
Potassium322 mg

Chef’s Secret

To temper Piri-Piri's heat, remove the seeds and white membrane. Toasting dried chilies before grinding intensifies their flavor.

Peri Chily Substitutes & Ratios

The best substitute for Peri Chily is Cayenne Pepper (powder), used at a 1:1 (adjust to taste, cayenne can be hotter) ratio. Similar heat profile, readily available, lacks fresh fruity notes.

Substitutes for Peri Chily with ratios
Substitute Ratio Best for
Cayenne Pepper (powder) Best 1:1 (adjust to taste, cayenne can be hotter) Similar heat profile, readily available, lacks fresh fruity notes.
Serrano Pepper 1:1 (fresh) Good fresh chili substitute, similar heat, slightly grassier flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes 1:1 (adjust to taste) Pantry staple for heat, less complex flavor, good for general spice.
Tabasco Sauce 1 tsp for 1 chili (adjust) Adds heat and tanginess, good liquid substitute for a quick kick.

How to Choose & Store Peri Chily

  1. Available fresh, dried, or as a sauce.
  2. Look for bright red, firm pods when fresh.

What Pairs Well With Peri Chily?

  • Chicken
  • seafood
  • grilled meats
  • stews
  • sauces
  • vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Peri Chily taste like?

Fiery hot, fruity, slightly acidic Pungent, fruity, peppery

What is a good substitute for Peri Chily?

The best substitute is Cayenne Pepper (powder) (1:1 (adjust to taste, cayenne can be hotter)). Similar heat profile, readily available, lacks fresh fruity notes.

How do you choose and store Peri Chily?

Available fresh, dried, or as a sauce. Look for bright red, firm pods when fresh.

Related Vegetable, Spice Ingredients

Need a substitute for Peri Chily right now, or a recipe that uses it? Ask Sous, your AI sous-chef.