Habanero chiles are also extremely spicy. Through distillation, we remove capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their heat. This non-volatile compound cannot be distilled, so the habanero has all the aroma and much of the flavor of a habanero, without any heat. Even though the distillate smells spicy, it is not. Imagine the possibilities of using a pure habanero infusion in your cocktails!

Equipment required:
PolyScience Rotary Vacuum Evaporator with 3L Evaporating Flask

Ingredients:
800 grams ripe red habanero chiles
1 liter Water

Step 1:
Blend habanero and water on high speed.

Step 2:
Carefully funnel mixture into 3L evaporating flask and clamp to the vapor tube of the rotary vacuum evaporator.

CAUTION:
This mixture is extremely dangerous. Use protective eyewear and disposable gloves. Do not inhale.

Step 3:
With the water bath at 45-50°C, and the condenser temperature starting at -12°C, apply full vacuum and rotation. Distill.

DO NOT LET BOIL OVER.
“Bumping” will contaminate your glassware and receiving volume. This will require you to start the entire process over.

Step 4: 
Remove clamp and receiving flask. Transfer distilled habanero to clean vessel or vacuum seal. Distillate can be refrigerated for 3 weeks or frozen up to one year.

Step 5:
Remove and carefully dispose of concentrated habanero puree. CAUTION: THIS PUREE IS STILL EXTREMELY SPICY. Thoroughly wash all glassware, as habanero distillation tends to leave residual flavors after rinsing.