Capsaicin has seen a great deal of interest lately. That makes a lot of sense, given this phytochemical’s many uses, which range from pest deterrent in the garden to myriad culinary uses, the base for pepper spray, and even medicinal treatments. For those interested in harnessing the analgesic powers of this compound, it’s natural to wonder if you can get pure capsaicin from seeds. So, can you?
Pure Capsaicin and Seeds
While cookbooks and kitchen parables are rife with warnings about removing the seeds from peppers, this isn’t because they’re the hottest part. In fact, seeds contain very little capsaicin. They might be coated in it, but they are not a particularly good source of pure capsaicin. Seeds actually contain very little to none of the compound, and will not make a good source if you were attempting to extract anything worth using.
If Pure Capsaicin Doesn’t Come From Seeds, Then Where?
So, where does all the heat of a pepper come from if it’s not from the seeds? Actually, it comes from the pith. While capsaicin is present at some level in most parts of the pepper, the pith (the white ribs and material inside the pepper) is where you’ll find the heaviest concentrations of it. It can also be found in decent concentrations in the rest of the pepper’s flesh. In fact, if you were to attempt to extract pure capsaicin, seeds would yield almost nothing, but the pith would provide plenty.
It’s worth noting that the development of capsaicin and its concentration in the pith might have been a way for pepper plants to avoid being eaten by mammals. Mammalian molars destroy the seeds, meaning that the plant cannot reproduce. However, birds are not affected by capsaicin, and because they lack molars, seeds ingested by birds will pass through the digestive tract and then have the opportunity to germinate in the bird’s droppings.
Extracting Pure Capsaicin
So, is extracting pure capsaicin as simple as drying and then powdering the pith of the pepper? Actually, this will work, but what you’d end up with wouldn’t be pure. It’s actually virtually impossible to extract pure capsaicin from any part of the pepper outside of a laboratory or industrial setting.
Where Can I Find Pure Capsaicin?
Since manufacturing your own pure capsaicin from seeds or the pith of the pepper is not particularly feasible, where might you look for a supply? There are many suppliers available online that offer it in a powdered form. However, it is important to note that not all suppliers are reputable. Even once you find a reputable supplier, use extreme caution when handling capsaicin, as this concentrated form can be extremely dangerous if it enters your eyes, or gets into the mucus membranes of your nose. It can even cause painful burning sensations to unprotected skin. Gloves, a facemask and protective eyewear are essential when working with capsaicin in its pure form.
Source:-
http://www.thekitchn.com/the-true-source-of-a-chile-peppers-heat-kitchen-facts-216983
https://www.worldseedsupply.com/product/capsaicin-pure-crystalline-chili-extract-powder/