What Is Red Chili Pepper In English?

Nov 14, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 37 views

Alright, guys, let's dive into the fiery world of chili peppers! If you've ever wondered what to call that tiny but mighty red chili pepper in English, you're in the right place. The English term for cabai rawit merah is bird's eye chili or Thai chili. These little guys pack a serious punch, and knowing their English name can be super helpful, whether you're cooking, traveling, or just chatting with friends from other countries. So, buckle up as we explore everything about these fiery little peppers, from their origins and uses to some fun facts that will make you the chili expert in your circle.

All About Bird’s Eye Chili

When we talk about bird's eye chili (or Thai chili), we're referring to a specific type of chili pepper that's popular in Southeast Asian cuisine. These chilies are small, typically only about 1 to 2 inches long, and they come in vibrant shades of red and green. Don't let their size fool you, though! These peppers are known for their intense heat, often measuring between 50,000 and 100,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). For comparison, a jalapeño pepper usually ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 SHU. That's quite a difference!

The name "bird's eye chili" comes from the fact that birds often disperse the seeds of these plants. Birds are unaffected by the capsaicin, the chemical compound that gives chili peppers their heat, so they can happily munch on the peppers and spread the seeds far and wide. This natural dispersal method has helped bird's eye chilies thrive in various regions, especially in Southeast Asia.

In terms of culinary uses, bird's eye chilies are incredibly versatile. They're used to add heat and flavor to a wide range of dishes, from soups and stir-fries to curries and salads. You'll often find them in Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Vietnamese cuisine. They can be used fresh, dried, or pickled, depending on the desired flavor and texture. Some popular dishes that feature bird's eye chilies include Thai green curry, Indonesian sambal, and Malaysian nasi lemak.

Beyond their culinary applications, bird's eye chilies also have some medicinal uses. Capsaicin, the active compound in chilies, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Some people use capsaicin creams to treat arthritis, muscle pain, and nerve pain. Additionally, chilies are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.

So, next time you're reaching for that tiny red pepper to spice up your meal, remember that you're holding a bird's eye chili, a powerhouse of flavor and heat with a fascinating history and a wide range of uses.

Understanding Different Types of Chili Peppers

Now that we've nailed down the English name for cabai rawit merah, let's zoom out a bit and talk about the broader world of chili peppers. It's a huge world, guys, with countless varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Understanding the different types of chili peppers can help you make informed choices in the kitchen and impress your friends with your chili knowledge.

Chili peppers belong to the genus Capsicum, which includes a wide range of species and cultivars. The five most common species are Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum pubescens, and Capsicum baccatum. Each species has its own distinct traits, such as pod shape, size, color, and heat level.

Capsicum annuum: This is the most common species, and it includes many familiar varieties like jalapeños, bell peppers, cayenne peppers, and paprika. Capsicum annuum peppers are generally mild to moderately hot, with a wide range of flavors and uses. They're used in cuisines all over the world, from Mexican and Tex-Mex to Italian and Spanish.
Capsicum frutescens: This species includes bird's eye chilies and tabasco peppers. Capsicum frutescens peppers are typically small and very hot, with a fruity flavor. They're often used in Southeast Asian and Caribbean cuisine.
Capsicum chinense: This species is known for producing some of the hottest peppers in the world, including habaneros, Scotch bonnets, and ghost peppers. Capsicum chinense peppers are intensely hot, with complex flavors and aromas. They're used in cuisines from the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.
Capsicum pubescens: This species is native to the Andes region of South America and includes rocoto peppers. Capsicum pubescens peppers are unique in that they have black seeds and a slightly fuzzy texture. They're moderately hot, with a sweet and fruity flavor.
Capsicum baccatum: This species is also native to South America and includes ají amarillo peppers. Capsicum baccatum peppers are moderately hot, with a citrusy flavor. They're used in Peruvian cuisine.

When choosing chili peppers for cooking, it's important to consider both the heat level and the flavor. The Scoville scale, developed by pharmacist Wilbur Scoville in 1912, is used to measure the heat of chili peppers. The scale ranges from 0 SHU (for bell peppers) to over 2 million SHU (for some of the hottest peppers in the world). Some popular chili peppers and their Scoville heat units include:

Bell pepper: 0 SHU
Poblano pepper: 1,000-2,000 SHU
Jalapeño pepper: 2,500-8,000 SHU
Serrano pepper: 10,000-25,000 SHU
Cayenne pepper: 30,000-50,000 SHU
Bird's eye chili: 50,000-100,000 SHU
Habanero pepper: 100,000-350,000 SHU
Scotch bonnet pepper: 100,000-350,000 SHU
Ghost pepper: 800,000-1,000,000 SHU

By understanding the different types of chili peppers and their heat levels, you can confidently experiment with new flavors and create delicious, spicy dishes.

How to Use Bird’s Eye Chili in Cooking

Okay, so you've got your bird's eye chilies, and you're ready to add some serious heat to your cooking. But how do you use them effectively? Don't worry, I've got you covered! Using bird's eye chilies in cooking is all about balancing the heat with other flavors and textures to create a delicious and well-rounded dish.

First things first: handle with care! Bird's eye chilies are potent, and the capsaicin can irritate your skin and eyes. It's a good idea to wear gloves when handling them, and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, until you've thoroughly washed your hands. Trust me, you don't want to learn this lesson the hard way!

When it comes to adding bird's eye chilies to your dishes, you have a few options:

Fresh: Fresh bird's eye chilies can be used whole, sliced, or minced. If you want to add a lot of heat, use the whole chili, including the seeds and membranes, which contain the highest concentration of capsaicin. For a milder heat, remove the seeds and membranes before using the chili. Sliced or minced chilies can be added to stir-fries, soups, and sauces. Remember that the heat will intensify as the chili cooks, so start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Dried: Dried bird's eye chilies have a more concentrated flavor and heat than fresh chilies. They can be added whole to soups and stews, or ground into a powder for use as a spice. Before using dried chilies, you can rehydrate them by soaking them in hot water for about 15-20 minutes. This will soften them and make them easier to chop or grind.
Pickled: Pickled bird's eye chilies are a popular condiment in Southeast Asia. They're typically pickled in vinegar, salt, and sugar, which mellows out the heat and adds a tangy, sweet flavor. Pickled chilies can be served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in sauces and marinades.

Here are a few tips for cooking with bird's eye chilies:

Start small: It's always better to add too little chili than too much. You can always add more heat, but it's difficult to remove it once it's in the dish.
Balance the heat: Pair bird's eye chilies with other flavors that can help balance the heat, such as sweetness (sugar, honey), acidity (lime juice, vinegar), and richness (coconut milk, oil).
Use dairy to cool down: If you accidentally add too much chili to a dish, adding dairy products like milk, yogurt, or cheese can help cool down the heat. Capsaicin is fat-soluble, so dairy products can help dissolve it and reduce its effect.
Experiment with different cuisines: Bird's eye chilies are used in a wide range of cuisines, so don't be afraid to experiment with different dishes and flavors. Try adding them to Thai curries, Indonesian stir-fries, or even Mexican salsas.

With a little practice, you'll become a bird's eye chili master, adding just the right amount of heat and flavor to your dishes.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

Beyond their fiery flavor, bird's eye chilies also offer a range of health benefits and nutritional value. These little peppers are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your overall health and well-being. Let's take a closer look at some of the key health benefits and nutritional aspects of bird's eye chilies.

Vitamins: Bird's eye chilies are a good source of vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your body against damage from free radicals. It also plays a role in collagen production, which is important for healthy skin, bones, and tissues.
Minerals: Bird's eye chilies contain several important minerals, including potassium, copper, and iron. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. Copper is involved in energy production and the formation of red blood cells. Iron is essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Antioxidants: Bird's eye chilies are rich in antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and disease. Some studies have shown that antioxidants may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
Capsaicin: The active compound in bird's eye chilies, capsaicin, has been linked to several health benefits. Capsaicin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It can help reduce pain associated with arthritis, muscle pain, and nerve pain. Capsaicin may also help boost metabolism and promote weight loss by increasing calorie burning and reducing appetite.

Here are some of the potential health benefits of consuming bird's eye chilies:

Pain relief: Capsaicin creams are often used to treat pain associated with arthritis, muscle pain, and nerve pain. Capsaicin works by desensitizing pain receptors in the skin, which reduces the sensation of pain.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Capsaicin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Inflammation is a key factor in the development of many chronic diseases, so reducing inflammation can have significant health benefits.
Improved cardiovascular health: Some studies have suggested that capsaicin may help improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Capsaicin can help relax blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure. It may also help reduce the buildup of plaque in arteries, which can lower cholesterol levels.
Weight loss: Capsaicin may help boost metabolism and promote weight loss by increasing calorie burning and reducing appetite. Some studies have shown that capsaicin can increase thermogenesis, which is the process of heat production in the body. This can lead to increased calorie burning and weight loss.

While bird's eye chilies offer several health benefits, it's important to consume them in moderation. Eating too many chilies can cause digestive upset, such as heartburn, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you have any underlying health conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may need to limit your intake of chilies.

In conclusion, bird's eye chilies are not only a flavorful addition to your meals but also a source of important nutrients and health benefits. By incorporating them into your diet in moderation, you can enjoy their spicy kick and reap the rewards of their health-promoting properties.

Fun Facts About Chili Peppers

Alright, guys, let's wrap things up with some fun and interesting facts about chili peppers that you can share at your next dinner party or trivia night! These facts will not only impress your friends but also give you a deeper appreciation for the fascinating world of chili peppers.

Chili peppers are fruits, not vegetables: Botanically speaking, chili peppers are fruits because they develop from the flower of the chili plant and contain seeds. Many people mistakenly think of them as vegetables because of their savory flavor and culinary uses.
Chili peppers originated in South America: Chili peppers have been cultivated in South America for thousands of years. The oldest archaeological evidence of chili pepper use dates back to around 6,000 years ago in Ecuador.
Christopher Columbus introduced chili peppers to Europe: When Christopher Columbus traveled to the Americas in the 15th century, he brought chili peppers back to Europe. From there, they spread to other parts of the world, including Asia and Africa.
The Scoville scale was invented in 1912: The Scoville scale, which is used to measure the heat of chili peppers, was developed by American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville in 1912. He created a method for diluting chili extracts until the heat was no longer detectable by a panel of tasters.
The hottest chili pepper in the world is constantly changing: The title of the hottest chili pepper in the world is constantly changing as new varieties are bred and cultivated. As of 2021, the Carolina Reaper held the record, with a Scoville heat unit (SHU) rating of over 2.2 million.
Chili peppers can be used as a natural pain reliever: Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, has been shown to have pain-relieving properties. Capsaicin creams are often used to treat pain associated with arthritis, muscle pain, and nerve pain.
Chili peppers can boost your metabolism: Capsaicin may help boost metabolism and promote weight loss by increasing calorie burning and reducing appetite. Some studies have shown that capsaicin can increase thermogenesis, which is the process of heat production in the body.
Birds are immune to the heat of chili peppers: Birds lack the receptor in their mouths that is sensitive to capsaicin, the chemical compound that gives chili peppers their heat. This allows them to eat chili peppers without feeling any burning sensation, which helps them disperse the seeds of the plants.
Chili peppers are used in pepper spray: The capsaicin in chili peppers is used to make pepper spray, a non-lethal weapon used for self-defense. Pepper spray causes a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat, which can temporarily incapacitate an attacker.
Chili peppers can be used to preserve food: The antimicrobial properties of chili peppers can help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can help preserve food. Chili peppers have been used for centuries to preserve meats, vegetables, and other foods.

So, there you have it! A collection of fun and fascinating facts about chili peppers that you can share with your friends and family. Next time you're enjoying a spicy dish, remember the rich history, diverse uses, and surprising health benefits of these amazing fruits.