Cayenne peppers are closely related to jalapeƱo and bell peppers. They are a staple in Southwestern American, Mexican, Cajun, and Creole cuisine. Dried and ground, they make a powdered spice for seasoning and also feature whole in Korean, Sichuan, and other Asian cuisines. Cayenne pepper is a hot chili in the Capsicum family. People frequently use it to enhance the flavor of savory dishes, and nutrients in the pepper may provide health benefits.