The chili pequin is native here and grows in the dappled
shade of my creek. We have forests of them. I think they
are a 10 on the Scoville scale. We pickle them and use the
vinegar to spice everything, and then use the pequins in
salsa. They are also called bird peppers, but I've not
seen any local birds eat them, we always have plenty.
I remember when I was a kid someone told me if you put
wood ash on any pepper it would make the pepper hotter. As
I recall I tried this and the bell peppers were definitely
warmer in flavor. Does anyone have any knowledge of this?
Although we don't have much winter we do have enough ash
with which to do something. I'm wondering what everyone
else does with their ash? I suppose if the soil is lacking
it could be used in the garden or compost but we have such
great success as it is I have never had the soil tested.
Also since we burn some of our junk mail with the wood I
wonder about the inks which I've heard can be toxic. I
have no idea if the carbonized ink would still be
considered so. I also know ash is used in making soap
although I haven't attempted that yet. Suggestions?