PepperScale Showdown

Ancho and chipotle peppers are two classic Mexican dried chilies that are becoming more and more popular around the world. They have some similarities, but … Read more

Fermented hot sauce and unfermented hot sauce are the two main options when making homemade hot sauce. The point of fermentation is to lower pH, … Read more

Old Bay seasoning and Cajun seasoning are two regionally iconic American spice blends. Old Bay comes from Maryland, Cajun seasoning is associated with parts of … Read more

You can find pre-made Picante sauce and pre-made salsa in the Mexican aisle of your local grocery store. Mild and hot versions of each are … Read more

Both dark and light chili powders are blends of the same ingredients. All chili powders contain dried and ground hot peppers along with cumin, garlic, … Read more

Both Creole seasoning and jerk seasoning come from a mix of European, African, and Native American cultures in the New World. The histories of these … Read more

Horseradish and chili peppers stimulate the same set of sensory receptors (called polymodal nociceptors) in the mouth and nose, which is why we register both … Read more

Cayenne pepper and chipotle powder are both common kitchen spices, working equally well for upping the spice level of food and for adding a touch … Read more

Nam prik pao and sambal oelek are two of the most beloved chili pastes from Southeast Asia. Neither is excessively hot and both share a … Read more