Page 4 - BrockCoNewsletter-MarApr-2023.indd

Spice It Up: CHILTEPIN PEPPER

The chiltepin pepper is having a moment now. heat. The chiltepin’s strong roots in Texas
A cult following has developed around the culture led that state legislature to name the

chili with a strong but short-lived kick. pepper the o cial state native pepper.
Hundreds of tiny oval-shaped chiltepin Like most chili peppers, the heat comes from
peppers grow wild on thigh-high bushes in the chemical capsaicin. You may recognize the
an area that stretches from Southwestern word from a popular category of topical pain
United States through northern Mexico. relievers. Capsaicin causes the brain to release
This red pepper has been a staple of the endorphins, an act that works as a natural pain
diets of the indigenous populations of these reliever.
areas for centuries. Fresh or dried, chiltepins Online stores are the most common way to
aren’t for the faint of heart (or stomach). get the pepper for those not fortunate enough
Just two or three peppers can spice up a pot to live near chiltepin bushes. But, remember:
of chili. The heat from the chiltepin reaches A little goes a long way.
100,000 on the Scoville scale; the jalapeño
measures 5,000. Source:

This pepper brings the heat to stews, soups, https://www.texasmonthly.com/being-texan/
beans, salsa, and any food that needs a little texas-primer-the-chilipiquin/
fi re. Texans grab a few peppers from a bush https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-
and mix them with vinegar for a spicy sauce pepper-types/medium-hot-chili-peppers/
chiltepin-chili-peppers/
that gives everything from eggs to tacos a little

spotlight on superf ds:

NUTRITIONAL YEAST

People think of yeast as something that gives (about 8 grams per serving) and contains all
bread height and creates alcohol in beer. But nine essential amino acids that our bodies
did you know nutritional yeast can also add a cannot produce. The body uses these amino
cheesy or nutty fl avor to di erent foods? acids to make protein. Vegans using it as a

Nutritional yeast (or “nooch,” as fans call it) nutritional supplement should choose a
is grown on a medium that is high in sugar, brand fortifi ed with B12, a nutrient not
like molasses. After several days, the yeast is found naturally in plants.
heated, pasteurized, and dried. During these Nutritional yeast is packed with antioxidants.
processes, yeast cells die, and cell walls break These compounds attack free radicals, cells
down, releasing amino acids, the source that increase the risk of developing serious
of yeast’s umami fl avor. The dried yeast is disorders, like heart disease and cancer.
pressed into fl akes or ground into powder. With just 10 calories a spoonful, nutritional
Fans sprinkle it on popcorn, potatoes, tofu, yeast is an easy way to perk up snacks,
and pasta. soups, and pasta and beef up your body’s
Because this additive is a good source of defense system.
complete protein, it’s often found in the Sources:
pantries of fans of vegan cuisine. Nutritional
yeast is a delicious thickener and flavoring for https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/

stocks, sauces, and soups. Curiously, nutritional nutritional-yeast#vitamin-b-12
yeast has a salty taste but contains no sodium. https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/
packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-
This compound is a good source of protein nutritional-yeast