shopping Cayenne - all 8 varieties | shop organic only
[ 667 ]Capsicum annuumORG

Cayenne (30,000 HU) Ground, Organic

1/4 Pound:  $5.90 Pound:  $13.11  100+ Pounds:  contact
[ 2812 ]Capsicum annuumORG

Cayenne (40M HU) Ground, Organic

1/4 Pound:  $6.32 Pound:  $14.05  100+ Pounds:  contact
[ 551 ]Capsicum annuum

Cayenne (40M HU) Ground

1/4 Pound:  $2.95 Pound:  $6.56  100+ Pounds:  contact
[ 1140 ]Capsicum frutescens

Cayenne (100M HU) ground

1/4 Pound:  $2.88 Pound:  $6.40  100+ Pounds:  contact
[ 718 ]Capsicum annuum

Cayenne (90M HU) Ground

1/4 Pound:  $3.25 Pound:  $7.22  100+ Pounds:  contact
[ 1038 ]Capsicum annuumORG

Cayenne (90M HU) Ground, Organic

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1/4 Pound:  $7.91 Pound:  $17.57  100+ Pounds:  contactout of stock   |   ETA: 04/13/2026  
[ 1209 ]Capsicum annuumORG

Cayenne (130M HU) Ground, Organic

1/4 Pound:  $7.44 Pound:  $16.53  100+ Pounds:  contact
[ 4587 ]Capsicum annuum

Cayenne (130M HU) Ground

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1/4 Pound:  $4.89 Pound:  $10.87  100+ Pounds:  contactout of stock   |   ETA: Unknown  
We offer discounted pricing on orders over 100 pounds. Contact Us

Wholesale Cayenne

Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens
plant overview
cayenne makes a spicy bite

Cayenne, also known as African pepper and bird pepper, is the dried fruit of a type of red pepper plant original to Zanzibar now cultivated in other temperate zones throughout the world. The member of the nightshade family gets its genus name, Capsicum, from the Greek word that means “to bite,” while the common name is borrowed from the capital city of French Guiana. Although organic cayenne powder is most commonly used as a seasoning, it is also incorporated into topical salves. Customers may buy bulk cayenne pepper powder in ¼ pound and full pound quantities.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
Where in the World

habitat and range for cayenne

Capsicum annuum is a domesticated species of the plant genus Capsicum native to southern North America and northern South America.

02.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information about cayenne

description
Capsicum annuum is in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. It is an upright perennial or annual shrub usually less than 1 m tall, with small, white, pendent flowers and elongated, yellow, orange or red fruits (berries). It can be distinguished from other types of domesticated peppers by flowers that are solitary rather than in groups, and filaments (thread-like stalks supporting the anther) that are not purple.

Capsicum annuum can be difficult to separate from the cultivated C. chinense and C. frutescens and their morphological features can overlap. These three species share the same ancestral gene pool and are sometimes called the ‘annuum-chinense-frutescens complex’. The varieties and cultivars of Capsicum annuum are classified on the basis of their fruit shapes. There are so many different kinds (several thousand) that nobody knows exactly how many there are. More and more local variants are appearing in cultivation across the world because existing varieties cross-pollinate easily.

common names & nomenclature
The species name annuum means “annual” from the Latin annus “year”. The common name is for the city of Cayenne in French Guiana.

Also known as:
cayenne, cayenne pepper, guinea spice, cow-horn pepper, aleva, bird pepper, red pepper (powdered form)

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting cayenne

climate
Cayenne plants prefer full sun in a warm climate, these plants are mostly perennial in sub-tropical and tropical regions; however, they are usually grown as annuals in temperate climates.

soil
Prefers warm, moist, nutrient-rich soil.

growing
Start seeds indoors and sow ¼ inch deep, 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost. You can pre-soak seeds in warm water overnight prior to planting. After planting, keep moist and warm in a sunny location. Good results are also achieved by putting plastic cling wrap over the containers to create a hothouse environment. Remove when seedlings emerge.

harvesting
Harvest when peppers are red for hottest flavor and if you plan to crush or grind them after drying. You can harvest and use the pepper fresh, when it’s green, but the flavor may not be as hot.

preserving
To dry, string hot peppers through stem with a sewing needle thread or fishing string. Then hang in a sunny window. To freeze, wash thoroughly and let dry. Cut off stem and leave the seeds in. Freeze in containers or plastic bags. They'll taste "fresh" any time you eat them. You can also make your own gourmet crushed hot peppers. Preheat oven and broil to 250 degrees. Put dried hot peppers into oven in pan or on tin foil. Roast about 5 minutes or until just starting to darken. Let cool and put in blender. Crush to desired size. All dried forms may also be ground into a powder. Store dried peppers or powder in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

caution!
Caution should be taken when processing or handling this pepper as it is very hot and you would not want to touch your eyes or similar sensitive areas after handling.

04.
The Rest of the Story

additional information

Cayenne pepper is best known as a bold, fiery spice that brings heat and depth to a wide range of dishes. Commonly used to season chilis, eggs, sauces, and marinades, it has long held a place in kitchens around the world as a way to elevate flavor with just a small pinch.

Beyond its culinary role, cayenne pepper has also appeared in traditional foodways and folk practices for centuries. Across many cultures, it was incorporated into warming beverages, tonics, and spice blends, reflecting its reputation as a stimulating and invigorating ingredient. These traditions often blurred the line between food and folklore, placing cayenne among the spices valued for both taste and symbolic vitality.

Cayenne has also been used externally in historical and cultural contexts, appearing in topical preparations, warming foot rituals, and other traditional practices rooted in experiential use rather than modern clinical guidance.

Today, cayenne pepper continues to be appreciated primarily as a versatile culinary spice and a staple of traditional herbal lore. Its intensity means a little goes a long way, making it a distinctive addition to spice cabinets and traditional formulations alike. As with all botanicals, use should be approached thoughtfully and in accordance with current guidelines.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.