Our Portuguese Saffron Rice is brimming with flavor and made with love: fragrant saffron-infused soft rice, sweet peas and roasted peppers. Like it spicy? Make that selection!
Peri-peri, also known as African bird’s eye chili, is a small, fiery chili pepper that is native to Southeastern Africa. It is widely cultivated in countries like Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Angola. The term “peri-peri” is derived from the Swahili word “pili pili,” which means “pepper pepper.”
Historically, peri-peri chilis have been used in the cuisines of both Portugal and Southern Africa. The Portuguese influence stems from the period of exploration and colonization, when Portuguese traders brought chili peppers from the Americas to Africa and Asia. The chilis thrived in the warm climate of Southern Africa and became an integral part of the local cuisine.
In Portugal, peri-peri chilis are closely associated with the famous Portuguese dish called "frango piri-piri," which is grilled chicken marinated in a spicy peri-peri sauce. The dish gained popularity in the former Portuguese colonies, including Mozambique and Angola, where it became a staple in the local cuisine.
Today, they’re widely cultivated in Southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique and South Africa. These countries have favorable climatic conditions for chili pepper cultivation, including the warm and dry climate that peri-peri peppers prefer. The cultivation of peri-peri chilis has become an important agricultural industry, supporting local farmers and contributing to the economy of these regions.
Apart from its culinary uses, peri-peri chilis are also known for their medicinal properties. They contain capsaicin, a compound that gives chili peppers their characteristic heat. Capsaicin has been found to have various health benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential weight loss effects. Additionally, peri-peri peppers are rich in vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants, which contribute to overall health and immune support.