Peppers of Key West

Hot Sauce Diaries, The Science of Hot Sauce

What HPLC Testing Has to Do With Hot Sauce – Measuring Pepper Heat and Capsaicin Precision

What HPLC Testing Has to Do with Hot Sauce – Measuring Pepper Heat and Capsaicin Precision High-performance liquid chromatography, commonly abbreviated as HPLC, is…
Hot Sauce Diaries, The Science of Hot Sauce

What is a Capsaicinoid: The chemical that makes your tongue scream!

For anyone fascinated by the fiery world of chili peppers, understanding capsaicinoids is essential. These are the chemical compounds responsible for the pungency, heat,…
Hot Sauce Diaries, The Science of Hot Sauce

What is Dihydrocapsaicin: It’s the pepper compound that keeps the burn lingering!

What is Dihydrocapsaicin: It’s the pepper compound that keeps the burn lingering! When chili lovers talk about the heat of a pepper, most people…
Hot Sauce Diaries, The Science of Hot Sauce

What is Homocapsaicin: The sneaky heat that lingers!

Homocapsaicin is a minor capsaicinoid found in chili peppers, typically contributing about 1–2% of total pepper heat. While milder than capsaicin, it still adds…
Hot Sauce Diaries, The Science of Hot Sauce

What is Homodihydrocapsaicin: The quiet burner that sneaks up on you!

What is Homodihydrocapsaicin: The quiet burner that sneaks up on you! Homodihydrocapsaicin is a minor capsaicinoid found in chili peppers. It typically contributes around…
Hot Sauce Diaries, The Science of Hot Sauce

What is Nordihydrocapsaicin: Tiny molecule, big lingering burn!

  Nordihydrocapsaicin is a minor capsaicinoid in chili peppers, contributing about 7% of the total heat in most peppers. Its intensity is slightly less…
Hot Sauce Diaries, The Science of Hot Sauce

What is the Difference Between Capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin: One burns, the other burns a bit more politely!

What is the Difference Between Capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin: One burns, the other burns a bit more politely! Chili peppers are celebrated for their fiery…
Hot Sauce Diaries, The Science of Hot Sauce

What is the Difference Between TRPV1 and TRPV2 Receptors – Understanding Heat, Spice, and Capsaicin in Peppers

What is the Difference Between TRPV1 and TRPV2 Receptors – Understanding Heat, Spice, and Capsaicin in Peppers TRPV1 and TRPV2 receptors are both members…
General Hot Sauce Information, Hot Sauce Diaries

What Makes a Great Hot Sauce? (Because Heat Alone Isn’t Enough)

What Makes a Great Hot Sauce? (Because Heat Alone Isn’t Enough) What Makes a Great Hot Sauce – Flavor, Heat, and Perfect Balance  …
what makes a great hot sauce flavor vs heat balance ingredients chili peppers hot sauce quality guide
General Hot Sauce Information, Hot Sauce Diaries

What Makes a Great Salsa (Texture, Heat, and Flavor Explained Without Starting a Family Argument)

What Makes a Great Salsa (Texture, Heat, and Flavor Explained Without Starting a Family Argument) Everyone has opinions about salsa—chunky vs smooth, mild vs…
General Hot Sauce Information, Health Benefits of Hot Sauce, Hot Sauce Diaries

What Makes a Hot Sauce Low Sodium and Why It Still Tastes Like It Means Business

What Makes a Hot Sauce Low Sodium and Why It Still Tastes Like It Means Business Less salt more swagger because your hot sauce…
Hot Sauce Diaries, The Science of Hot Sauce

What Peppers Keep Unwanted Critters Out of the Garden: Spicy peppers- nature’s tiny bouncers!

What Peppers Keep Unwanted Critters Out of the Garden: Spicy peppers- nature’s tiny bouncers! For anyone growing peppers, whether for fresh consumption, hot sauces,…
General Hot Sauce Information, Hot Sauce Diaries

What to Do With Too Many Hot Peppers (Save Your Sanity and Taste Buds)

Too Many Hot Peppers? These Uses Save Your Sanity (and Your Taste Buds) Peppers of Key West delivers flavor-first hot sauce experiences built on…
Too many hot peppers ideas for using extra chili peppers in hot sauce recipes and creative cooking
General Hot Sauce Information, Hot Sauce Diaries

What’s the Difference Between Pico De Gallo and Salsa? (And Why Your Chips Deserve Better)

What’s the Difference Between Pico De Gallo and Salsa? (And Why Your Chips Deserve Better) Let’s be honest—most people treat pico de gallo and…
Hot Sauce Diaries, The History of Hot Sauce

Where Did Hot Peppers Originate and How Did They Take Over the World with So Many Fiery Variations?

From tiny wild peppers in the Americas to blazing bottles on every table, hot peppers somehow convinced the world to burn their mouths for…
Appetizers, Hot Sauce Recipes, Salsa & Dips, Vegetarian & Vegan

White Queso Dip

White Queso Dip So Smooth It Should Come With a Warning Creamy, melty, and just spicy enough to keep you hovering over the bowl…
Hot Sauce Diaries, The History of Hot Sauce

Who is Wilbur Scoville – The Man Behind the Scoville Heat Unit Scale for Peppers and Hot Sauce

Who is Wilbur Scoville – The Man Behind the Scoville Heat Unit Scale for Peppers and Hot Sauce Wilbur Lincoln Scoville was an American…
Hot Sauce Diaries, The Science of Hot Sauce

Why Birds Laugh at the Heat While Humans Cry?

Why Birds Laugh at the Heat While Humans Cry: Hot Peppers burn your mouth, makes you question your life choices, and somehow birds would…
General Hot Sauce Information, Hot Sauce Diaries

Why Fresh Ingredients Matter in Salsa and Hot Sauce (Because Sad Tomatoes Exist)

Why Fresh Ingredients Matter in Salsa and Hot Sauce (Because Sad Tomatoes Exist) If your salsa tastes tired, it probably is. Fresh ingredients aren’t…
Growing Hot Peppers, Hot Sauce Diaries

Why is pH Soil Content Important for Growing Peppers: Because even peppers like their lemonade just right!!

Why is pH Soil Content Important for Growing Peppers: Because even peppers like their lemonade just right! Soil pH is important for growing peppers…
soil ph importance for growing peppers healthy plants balanced soil conditions pepper growth