Carolina Reaper – whole and dried

Dried Carolina Reaper chillies can be used in far more dishes than you might think - as long as you dose with care. They work especially well in rich simmered dishes like chili con carne, soups, and stews, where they add both heat and a deep, fruity flavour. They can also be used in marinades and spice blends for meat, fish or vegetables, and they give an intense kick to homemade sauces and chutneys.

In savoury cooking, they work surprisingly well in tomato-based dishes like pizza and pasta, where their cherry and smoky notes can add a very special depth. They can also be used in egg dishes such as shakshuka or omelettes, and in fermented vegetables, where they add both flavour and character.

The dried chillies are also well suited for making your own chilli oil or chilli-infused schnapps, simply by letting them steep in the liquid. And for the more adventurous, a little finely chopped Reaper can also add an edge to dark chocolate, brownies, or even a spiced Christmas gløgg.

Finally, they can be used in your chilli grinder. Roughly chop them with a knife and mix them with whole peppercorns - then you have your very own, extremely hot pepper mix.