Why is pure ground cayenne different from a generic chili powder blend?

Answer

Chili powder contains diluted beneficial compounds due to added spices like cumin and oregano.

The essential difference between pure ground cayenne pepper and generic chili powder lies in composition and concentration. Pure ground cayenne consists solely of the dried and ground fruit of the cayenne plant, retaining the full density of its active compounds, notably capsaicinoids. In contrast, chili powder is recognized as a blend of multiple spices; it typically includes ground cayenne pepper mixed with other ingredients such as cumin, oregano, and occasionally salt. This admixture means that the nutritional profile and, critically, the concentration of the beneficial capsaicinoids are significantly diluted when using a generic chili powder compared to using the pure cayenne spice for the same weight measurement.

Why is pure ground cayenne different from a generic chili powder blend?

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