Chili powder is a spice blend made from dried, ground chili peppers, often combined with other herbs and spices. It typically includes varieties of chili peppers like cayenne, ancho, or chipotle, along with ingredients such as cumin, Garlic Powder, oregano, and paprika. This blend varies in heat intensity depending on the types of chilies used and can range from mild to very hot.
Chili powder is a versatile ingredient used in numerous cuisines worldwide, especially in Mexican, Tex-Mex, Indian, and Thai dishes. It adds depth, flavor, and a distinctive warmth to soups, stews, chili con carne, marinades, and a wide array of savory recipes.
Chilli powder is a red or reddish-yellow, oily and uniform powder, a mixture of red chillies, yellow chillies, chilli seeds and some chilli rods crushed finely, with the inherent spicy aroma of chilli, which stings and sneezes on the nose. Authentic should be pounded out with a stone mortar, or you can directly use dried chillies in the sun or roasted in a pot over a moderate fire and then pounded into powder.
1. Antipyretic and analgesic: Capsicum is pungent and warm, which can lower body temperature through sweating and relieve muscle pain, so it has strong antipyretic and analgesic effects. Chili Powder, Chili Ground, Red chili powder, Chaotian chili powder Henan Sunny Foodstuff Co.,Ltd. , https://www.hnsunnyfood.com
2. Preventing cancer: capsaicin, the active ingredient of chilli, is an antioxidant, which can prevent the metabolism of the cells concerned, thus terminating the cancerous process of cell tissues and reducing the incidence of cancer cells.
3. Increase appetite, help digestion: the strong spicy flavour of chilli pepper can stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juice, increase appetite, promote intestinal peristalsis, and help digestion.
4. Reduce fat and weight loss: capsaicin contained in chilli peppers can promote fat metabolism and prevent the accumulation of body fat, which is conducive to fat reduction, weight loss and disease prevention.
Folding
Cantaloupe storage methods and management measures
When harvesting cantaloupe, it's essential to choose the right variety that can withstand storage conditions and to harvest at the optimal time. Typically, it's best to pick the melons 4 to 6 days before the usual harvest period when they are fully matured. Care must be taken during picking to avoid damaging the skin, as any mechanical injury can lead to spoilage. After harvesting, the melons should be dried in the field for 1 to 2 days before transportation. During transport, it’s important to minimize shaking and ensure a smooth journey to prevent bruising.
For storage, one effective method is controlled atmosphere refrigeration. After drying, the melons are carefully placed on cold storage shelves, wrapped with pre-cooled plastic or PVA film. The ideal storage environment has a temperature of 3–4°C, oxygen levels between 3%–5%, carbon dioxide levels up to 2%, and a relative humidity of 75%–85%. This setup helps control respiration and microbial growth, allowing the melons to remain fresh for up to four months with minimal decay and high firmness.
Another traditional method is natural cooling storage, which includes hanging and racking systems. Hanging storage is widely used in rural areas. After picking, the melons are left to dry for 10–20 days, then stored in pits when temperatures approach 0°C. This process helps soften the fruit, reduce damage during handling, and promote healing of wounds, improving the melon’s resistance.
To hang the melons, thick ropes or wide canvas strips are tied to the pit poles at intervals of 50 cm. Each melon is then secured to the rope, with larger ones placed below smaller ones. Each group can hold 3–4 melons. In the early stages of storage, the pit may be humid and warm, so regular ventilation through open doors and windows is necessary. Installing an exhaust fan at one end and a blower at the other can improve air circulation, especially during cooler nights in September and October in Xinjiang. As storage progresses, maintaining proper humidity becomes crucial—relative humidity should stay below 85%, ideally between 60% and 80%.
Throughout the storage period, melons should be inspected every 7–15 days, and any overripe or rotten ones should be removed promptly. Using preservatives before storage can further reduce decay, extending shelf life and increasing market value.
Racking storage involves wooden or metal frames with multiple layers, each spaced about 50 cm apart. Melons are placed in single layers on wooden planks, leaving 5–10 cm between them. Regular inspection and flipping are required to prevent contact rot. Management is similar to hanging storage.
Additional techniques like radiation, air purification, and preservative coatings can also enhance preservation. These methods, combined with careful selection and proper handling, ensure that Hami melons remain fresh and high quality for longer periods.