FOOD NEWS
The Importance Of Desflemar In Mexican Cooking
BY JULIA HOLLAND
Desflemar is a cooking technique that encompasses the various methods by which Mexicans temper the heat and spiciness of chili peppers before adding them to a recipe.
The primary methods for tempering the heat consist of removing the pith and seeds before soaking peppers in a sugary, salty, or vinegary solution.
To easily remove a pepper's pith and seeds, cut a chili pepper in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape the pith and seeds from the flesh. Be sure to wear gloves.
Soaking chilies in various solutions such as milk, vinegar, salt, and sugar water is another widespread desflemar practice that helps balance overly spicy flavors.