How to cut a jalapeno pepper without gloves? (3 tips)

By TheWholePortion
Page last updated: 20/11/2021 | Next review date: 20/11/2023
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In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How to cut a jalapeno pepper without gloves?”, discuss answers to other related questions like what happens when you cut jalapeno pepper without gloves and how to stop the burn from jalapeno pepper.

How to cut a jalapeno pepper without gloves?

Jalapeno peppers hold tons of heat, especially in their seeds and membranes. This heat is due to the presence of capsaicin oil and can be avoided by limiting contact with the seeds of the pepper. Wearing gloves can help limit the exposure of your hands to pepper’s seed but you can also cut the peppers without wearing gloves.

To cut a jalapeno pepper without gloves, flatten a plastic bag on the counter next to a cutting board and place the jalapeno pepper on the cutting board. Slice its stem off and then slice in half lengthwise. 

Now, set the jalapeno pepper’s half in the middle of the plastic bag and fold the plastic over to cover the pepper. Taking care not to cut the plastic with your nail, gently scrape out the seeds into the plastic. Repeat with the remaining half and prepare jalapeno according to your recipe.

Another way to cut jalapeno pepper without gloves

If you are not having a plastic bag and you do not want to wear gloves too. Don’t worry! There is still a way that can help you do the task without wearing gloves and still protecting your hands from the burn of the pepper.

First of all, you need to wash the pepper and slice it lengthwise in two. Then, cut off the stalk. Now, keeping the knife close to the surface of the flesh, cut away the white pith and the harder white core of the pepper, using the tip of the knife. Next, scrape out the seeds of the pepper and discard them. Slice and dice the pepper as you require.

In the end, scrub your hands thoroughly and remember not to touch your face or eyes. Because even if you have scrubbed well, it is still likely to burn.

What happens when you cut jalapeno pepper without gloves?

The jalapeno pepper, along with other hot peppers, is known to contain an active compound “capsaicin”. This compound is meant to provide protection and survival to the plant as it dissuades many animals and fungi from enjoying its fruit.

For humans, capsaicin is useful to make their food hot and spicy, but meanwhile, it is an irritant that causes a burning sensation in the tissue with which it comes into contact.

So, when you cut a jalapeno pepper without gloves, there is a prolonged stinging and burning of the skin after it comes into contact with the capsaicin-rich oils of the pepper when slicing or chopping fresh hot peppers.

This effect can last for hours as the oil containing the capsaicin is not easily washed away. But this risk should not be a deterrent from cooking with these peppers, you just need to be prepared.

3 tips for avoiding jalapeno hands

  1. Designate a thicker pair of yellow rubber gloves for hot peppers preparation in your kitchen and do not forget to wear it before your start cutting them.

Wearing latex gloves can not be helpful as the capsaicin can seep through thick latex. So it is important to wear thick rubber gloves only.

  1. Do not touch your eyes or nose while cutting hot pepper – with or without gloves. There is nothing more unpleasant than being temporarily blinded by a burning eye or nostril.
  2. Along that same vein, if you have cut hot peppers without gloves, do not take out or insert contact lenses for a while.

How to stop the burn from jalapeno pepper?

While it is generally little you can do to relieve the burn if you chop hot peppers without gloves, there are a few remedies worth trying to get some relief.

Oil: Cooking oils can dilute capsaicin, making it less potent. Rub generous amounts on the skin, then wash it off using dish soap or hand cleaner.

Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol can break up oils. Apply liberal amounts of rubbing alcohol to the skin, then wash the area with soap and water. 

Dish soap: Dish soap is formulated to remove oils and grease from dishes. It works better at dissolving capsaicin than regular hand soap.

Baking soda paste: This pantry shelf staple can neutralize capsaicin oil. Make a thick paste using a minimal amount of water. Coat the hands or skin with the paste and let it dry. Once dry, the powdery residue can be washed off with soap and water.

Conclusion:

In this brief guide, we answered the question “How to cut a jalapeno pepper without gloves?”, discussed answers to other related questions like what happens when you cut jalapeno pepper without gloves and how to stop the burn from jalapeno pepper.

References: 

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