Diamante, Academy of the Chili Pepper

Un’idea originale per approfondire e diffondere la “cultura del piccante”, l’uso del peperoncino in gastronomia, nella cosmesi, come farmaco e come elemento ricorrente nella tradizione popolare. L’Accademia a tutt’oggi conta oltre 2000 iscritti e vanta, oltre alle decine di delegazioni in tutta Italia, una sede a Città del Messico, una a Parigi e una a New York.

Mr. Monaco, it seems that after 500 years since its importation Italians are rediscovering chili pepper?

Perhaps yes, given the great success the Academy is enjoying. In Diamante, we organize the “Chili Pepper Festival” in September, a showcase of gastronomy, culture, and satire now in its sixth edition. Every year the event enriches itself with more events and characters; everyone wants to participate, TV and newspapers cover us, and tourists increase in the town. All thanks to our spicy chili pepper.

What is truly special about this product?

It is cheerful, fiery, explosive, beautiful to look at, intriguing, and above all, beneficial. In the kitchen, it enhances recipes without overwhelming them; on the contrary, it improves and strengthens flavors; in cosmetics, mixed with clays, it is a great beauty mask and effective against cellulite. The alcoholic solution gives strength and vigor to hair. A study published in the journal “Human Nutrition” highlighted its beneficial effects on basal metabolism, and some researchers from the University of Tasmania showed that the capsaicin contained in chili pepper increases calorie consumption by up to 15%. An excellent aid, therefore, for those on a slimming diet.

Many instead claim that chili pepper is harmful…

This is one of the reasons that pushed me to found the Academy. To dispel common misconceptions, one must research to then be convincing. Chili pepper is a real mine of substances useful to the body. Shall I list them? Apart from capsaicin, capsanthin, and capsicin, chili pepper contains vitamins A, C, E, K2, PP, lecithin, malonic acid, potassium, copper, and iron. How can it be harmful? On the contrary, it has great vasodilator and anti-cholesterol properties, and it is very useful for relieving pain caused by arthritis, arthrosis, lumbago, and rheumatism. If used regularly, it prevents liver failure, cirrhosis, and prostatitis, and it is an excellent decongestant in cases of laryngitis and hoarseness. In 1857 the French Medical Academy officially recognized its validity even against all types of hemorrhoids. Finally, the new anti-cancer theories attribute to antioxidants the power to strengthen immune defenses against tumor degeneration. And chili pepper is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature.

Someone called it “the Viagra of the future”. But is it really true that chili pepper can trigger eros?

If applied to the body, externally, it has a revulsive effect, that is, it dilates capillaries and warms. Therefore, it acts as a vasodilator. Then it is rich in vitamin E, the “fertility and sexual power” vitamin. So… maybe yes, it can be an aphrodisiac food. Despite having nothing to do with refined and above all expensive foods, like oysters, truffles, caviar, or champagne, traditionally known for their stimulating powers. I like to call chili pepper “the drug of the poor.”

How much should one consume?

There are conflicting theses. The phytotherapy scholar Jan Valnet recommends not exceeding a dose of one gram per day, while Ettore Liuni, a great connoisseur of chili pepper, argues that the optimal dose is one gram of powder for every 10 kg of body weight. In my opinion, one must rely on common sense, verifying personal tolerance threshold through experience and taste.

There is a citron and chili pepper liqueur. Why this strange pairing?

It is an effective digestive, because chili pepper is digestive. Palmiro Raffo, a restaurateur friend, lover of chili pepper and member of the Academy, instead created the world’s first “sweet digestive”, the “devil’s tart”, based on chili pepper jam. At his restaurant, Sabbia d’Oro, you have to order it in time because it sells out fast. The recipe? A secret he has never revealed, not even to me.

Any advice to extinguish the spiciness in case of abuse?

Never water, maybe a little red wine. But a sure remedy is to eat a piece of bread with a pinch of salt added. And to remove chili pepper from hands, rub them with a ripe tomato and then wash with water and soap.