Chillies are the fruits of Capsicum plants, which come originally from the Americas and are now central to Thai cooking. Their heat comes from capsaicin and related compounds, concentrated in the pale ribs and around the seeds, which trigger the same nerve receptors that sense heat. Varieties range from mild to fiercely hot; the Thai bird’s eye chilli is among the hotter ones in everyday use.
Snack makers use chilli dried and ground, as flakes, as an oil extract, or fried. It adds heat and a fruity flavour, and red chilli also adds colour. In Thai snacks it often meets sugar, salt and sour fruit, as in salted plum seasonings, or seafood, as in seasoned squid.
On SeekSnack, chilli is the leading ingredient of Goody - Crispy Chilli and part of the sweet, sour and hot seasoning on Doi Kham - Savoury Guava Chinese Apricot Flavor.
