The increasing interest in international ethnic cuisines and spicy food combined with the increasing number of veganism contributes to the growing consumer interest and the increasing demand for chillies in the European market. Vegans in particular have contributed to the increasing consumption of chillies, as for example dry chilli peppers are often used in cooked sauces and can provide a deeper, smokier flavour taste which enhancers in vegan meals. Although it has grown to be a crucial component of the modern kitchen, culinary styles and flavours differ widely across the globe. Additionally, dry red chillies are a great source of vitamins A and C, which are important for healthy mucous membranes and reduce the risk of prostate cancer cells through various mechanisms.
Dry chillies are used as the main spice globally, particularly in Asian countries with India being the world’s largest producer and exporter of dry chillies. India's top importers are Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. The high demand for exotic and spicy oriental cuisines in Europe is driving the market for dry chillies in the region. Europe is the second-largest importer of dried chillies globally, after Asia, and according to CBI, Spain is Europe’s largest importer of dried chillies by far, recording its highest-ever import volume of 72 thousand tonnes in 2021.
Although chillies have become a popular ingredient in the modern kitchen, they are also being used in a variety of beverages and cocktails.
L+F explores the unique and delicious flavours of chilli and recommends the MYZO cocktail which contains vodka, elderflower, vanilla, chilli, lime and honey.
So, next time you will have after-work drinks come to L+F and explore the unique and delicious flavours of our chilli cocktails!
Fun fact:
The words chilli and chilly are confusing for many English speakers and writers because of their similar sounds. These terms are also somehow associated with temperatures. The main difference is that chilli is a type of pepper, chili is a noun that means a small hot-tasting variant of Capsicum used in spices. Chilly is an adjective that means uncomfortably cold.
