Cayenne
40,000 SHU · Capsicum annuum
HotHeat range
30,000 to 50,000 SHU. Typical: 40,000 SHU.
Individual peppers vary within this range based on growing conditions, ripeness, and genetic variation. See the Scoville scale guide for why the range matters.
Flavor and character
Cayenne has flavors of sharp, clean, slightly bitter, neutral carrier of heat.
Cayenne is the standard-issue hot pepper of the spice rack. Most people encounter it as a bright red powder that adds heat without much personality. That neutrality is actually its strength: cayenne delivers reliable, sharp heat that does not compete with other flavors. Fresh cayenne peppers are long, thin, and curled, but they are rarely sold fresh outside of farmers' markets. The dried and ground form is what matters commercially. Cayenne heat is immediate and front-of-mouth, fading relatively quickly. It is the baseline for many hot sauce recipes and appears in cuisines from Cajun to Korean.
How it’s used
Cayenne is commonly used in ground spice, hot sauces, seasoning blends, dry rubs.
What to use instead
These substitutions match heat, not flavor. Flavor character changes substantially between peppers. For custom quantities, use the substitution calculator.
Compare with another pepper
Other peppers to explore
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cayenne compared to a jalapeño?
Cayenne at 40,000 SHU is roughly 8× hotter than a typical jalapeño (5,000 SHU). That is a significant difference in capsaicin concentration.
What does Cayenne taste like?
Cayenne has flavors of sharp, clean, slightly bitter, neutral carrier of heat. Beyond the heat, these flavor notes distinguish it from other peppers at similar Scoville ratings.
Can I grow Cayenne at home?
Yes. Cayenne grows well in USDA zones 7+ and can be grown in containers in cooler zones. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Full sun, moderate water, and well-drained soil produce the best results.
Is Cayenne hotter than Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye)?
No. Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye) at 75,000 SHU typical is hotter than Cayenne at 40,000 SHU. Compare them side by side on the comparison tool.
What's a good substitute for Cayenne?
The closest substitutes are Tabasco and Thai Chile (Bird’s Eye). These share similar heat ranges and compatible flavor profiles. For exact quantity ratios, use the substitution calculator.
What is Cayenne's Scoville rating?
Cayenne ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 SHU, with a typical measurement of 40,000 SHU. This range reflects natural variation in capsaicin production due to growing conditions, ripeness, and genetics.