Greenwood Enterprises was started in 1995 and a Harfords Plastic tunnel house was built. Capsicums was the main produce grown, with a variety of chillies grown on a smaller scale. After 8 years of growing capsicums and chillies, the decision was made to specialise in growing chillies only, so Matakana Chillies was born. We are now a grower, producer and supplier of watercress and chillies. In 2003 we successfully completed the New Zealand Fresh produce Approved Supplier programme, previously known as Vegfed and now known as GAP. With our produce we use biological pest control instead of sprays.

The Chilli
We grow a variety of the cayenne chilli, approx. 10-16cm in length, and of medium heat.

Storage
Fresh chillies can be successfully stored in our chilli bags in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or can be frozen.

The heat!
Chillies can burn, so when preparing them watch out for cuts on your hands and don’t rub your eyes. The heat level of a chilli is determined by the amount of capsaicin it contains. This compound is concentrated mainly in the ribs and seeds, so you can reduce the fieriness considerably by removing these parts. Capsaicin stimulates the nerve endings in your mouth and makes your brain feel pain. When this happens the body releases endorphins, which produces a mild “high”. Chillies that have been pickled, or that are used raw, tend to have more heat than cooked chillies.

How to combat the burn
If you over do it and your mouth is on fire, the best remedy is to try drinking milk, eating yoghurt or ice cream. Capsaicin oils are not water-soluble, so having a drink of water will only spread the capsaicin around your mouth.

Health benefits
Chillies are great for your health, there are so many benefits to them. Hillary Clinton says they are what she relies on to keep her healthy, and these are a few of our favourites:
- A great source of vitamin A, C and E, also antioxidants (higher than green fruits).
- Good for weight loss, as raises the metabolic rate, which burns extra calories.
- Alleged aphrodisiac properties.
- Helps combat nasal and chest congestion by triggering the release of fluids that dilute mucus.
- Researchers are excited about the spices ability to act as an anti-inflammatory agent, and aid in controlling pain. Capsaicin is already used in many dermatological creams.
- Research is being done into the findings that the capsaicin in red-hot chillies, drives prostate cancer cells to kill themselves.