hot pepper crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "hot pepper" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you find the perfect fit.
Solutions for "hot pepper crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CHILI: A generic term for the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, known for their heat.
ANCHO: A mild, dried poblano pepper, commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
7 Letters
CAYENNE: A moderately hot red chili pepper, often dried and ground into a spice.
TABASCO: A specific variety of chili pepper, famously used to make Tabasco sauce.
SERRANO: A small, very hot chili pepper, similar in appearance to a jalapeño but smaller and hotter.
8 Letters
JALAPENO: A medium-sized chili pepper, popular for its moderate heat and versatility.
HABANERO: A very hot chili pepper, known for its distinctive fruity flavor and intense heat.
More About "hot pepper crossword clue"
Hot peppers, also known as chili peppers, are the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum. They are renowned for their pungent flavor, which comes from capsaicin, a chemical compound that creates a burning sensation in the mouth. The intensity of this heat is often measured using the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale. From the mild Ancho to the searing Carolina Reaper, the diversity of hot peppers is vast, each offering unique flavors and heat levels.
These fiery fruits are integral to cuisines worldwide, particularly in Mexican, Indian, Thai, and Caribbean dishes. They can be used fresh, dried, smoked, or ground into powders, adding zest and depth to sauces, stews, and marinades. Crossword clues related to "hot pepper" often test your knowledge of specific varieties or general terms for these spicy ingredients.
Understanding the common names and characteristics of different peppers can be incredibly helpful for solving these clues. Remember that spellings can sometimes vary (e.g., 'chili' vs. 'chilli'), so always consider the number of letters required by the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Specific Varieties: When you see "hot pepper," don't just think "chili." Consider popular types like JALAPENO, HABANERO, CAYENNE, or SERRANO, as these are common crossword answers.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the known letters and the required length to narrow down possibilities quickly. A 5-letter "hot pepper" will likely be CHILI or ANCHO, while a longer one points to JALAPENO or HABANERO.
- Consider Culinary Context: Sometimes the clue might hint at the pepper's use (e.g., "pepper for hot sauce" might suggest TABASCO).
- Cross-Reference with Other Clues: If you're stuck, try solving intersecting clues first. The letters you uncover can provide crucial hints for the "hot pepper" answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered the hottest pepper in the world?
While rankings can change as new varieties are bred, the Carolina Reaper has long held the Guinness World Record for the hottest chili pepper, with an average of 1.64 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
How do I identify a 'hot pepper' answer in a crossword clue?
Look for synonyms like 'chili,' 'capsicum,' or specific pepper names like 'jalapeño' or 'habanero.' The clue might also hint at its heat level, origin, or culinary use.
Are all hot peppers referred to as 'chili'?
The term 'chili' (or 'chile'/'chilli') is a broad, generic term referring to the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum. While specific varieties have their own names (e.g., jalapeño, habanero), 'chili' can encompass any of them depending on context.