Culinary preparations that function a particular sort of Capsicum annuum are quite a few. These recipes make the most of the Hungarian wax pepper, recognized for its average warmth and barely candy taste. Preparations can vary from pickling and preserving to incorporating them into cooked dishes akin to stews, sauces, and salads. For example, one may discover directions for pickling these peppers in a brine of vinegar, salt, and spices, leading to a tangy and spicy condiment.
The utilization of this pepper in varied culinary purposes provides a number of advantages. It permits for the introduction of a novel taste profile and warmth degree into dishes, enriching the general style expertise. From a historic perspective, the combination of peppers into varied cuisines showcases cultural change and adaptation of components throughout totally different areas. The convenience with which they are often grown and preserved additionally contributes to their reputation in residence cooking and meals preservation traditions.
This exposition will additional discover the varied vary of culinary purposes, inspecting pickling strategies, cooked dish integrations, and preservation strategies that may be employed to successfully make the most of this flavorful ingredient. Subsequent sections will element particular recipes and strategies to help of their preparation and pleasure.
1. Pickling Brines
Pickling brines represent a basic part of quite a few Hungarian wax pepper preparations. The composition of the brine straight influences the ultimate style, texture, and shelf lifetime of the pickled peppers. A brine sometimes consists of an answer of vinegar (typically white distilled or apple cider), water, salt, and typically sugar, together with varied spices and herbs. The ratio of those components, together with the period of the pickling course of, determines the extent of acidity and sweetness, subsequently altering the pepper’s taste profile. For example, a better vinegar focus ends in a tangier, extra acidic pickle, which inhibits microbial progress and extends preservation. Conversely, a brine with added sugar creates a sweeter taste, typically balancing the acidity.
Spice choice performs a big position in enhancing the complexity of the ultimate product. Frequent additions embody garlic cloves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, dill, and bay leaves. Every ingredient imparts distinct fragrant and taste traits, contributing to a layered sensory expertise. The selection of brine and spices should complement the pure taste of the Hungarian wax pepper, avoiding overpowering it. A profitable pickling course of ends in peppers that retain their crispness, develop a balanced taste, and exhibit a vibrant coloration. Incorrect brine formulation can result in undesirable outcomes, akin to softened texture, off-flavors, or inadequate preservation, doubtlessly resulting in spoilage.
In abstract, the cautious formulation and software of pickling brines are important for creating high-quality pickled Hungarian wax peppers. The brine’s composition straight impacts the ultimate product’s taste, texture, and preservation. Subsequently, understanding the roles and interactions of the totally different brine parts is essential for attaining profitable and flavorful outcomes. Mastery of this facet permits for a nuanced management over the ultimate culinary final result, enabling variations that cater to numerous style preferences and culinary purposes.
2. Stuffing variations
The preparation of stuffed Hungarian wax peppers represents a various culinary software, enabling a variety of taste and textural mixtures. The hole inside of the pepper serves as a vessel for varied fillings, remodeling it into a considerable and versatile dish.
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Meat-Primarily based Stuffings
Floor meats, akin to beef, pork, or sausage, are widespread parts of pepper fillings. These meats are sometimes seasoned with herbs, spices, and aromatics like garlic and onions. The meat combination supplies a savory and hearty base that contrasts with the pepper’s slight warmth and sweetness. Variations embody the addition of rice or breadcrumbs to bind the meat and create a extra cohesive filling.
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Grain and Vegetable Stuffings
For vegetarian or lighter choices, grain-based stuffings provide a contrasting method. Mixtures of rice, quinoa, or couscous, combined with greens akin to zucchini, tomatoes, and corn, create a flavorful and texturally fascinating filling. The inclusion of cheese, akin to feta or mozzarella, provides richness and creaminess. This type permits for vital customization based mostly on dietary preferences and seasonal availability of greens.
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Cheese-Primarily based Stuffings
The easy filling of a pepper with varied cheeses presents a flavorful possibility. Mixtures akin to ricotta, parmesan, and herbs provide a creamy filling. The cheese melts throughout cooking, offering a wealthy and savory inside. This method is commonly faster and less complicated than meat- or grain-based fillings, making it a sensible selection for expedited meal preparation.
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Spiced and Flavored Variations
Whatever the main filling part, spices and flavorings play a vital position in enhancing the general style. Frequent additions embody smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and varied herbs like oregano and thyme. These components contribute depth and complexity to the filling, complementing the pepper’s pure taste and including a particular character to the dish.
The selection of stuffing considerably impacts the ultimate character of the stuffed Hungarian wax pepper. Every variation provides a novel mixture of flavors, textures, and dietary profiles. The flexibility of this software underscores the adaptability of the pepper to totally different culinary traditions and dietary necessities, emphasizing its worth in numerous recipes.
3. Sauted purposes
Sauting provides a speedy cooking technique appropriate for Hungarian wax peppers, leading to a softened texture and intensified taste. Direct warmth caramelizes the sugars current within the pepper, yielding a barely candy and savory profile. This software is ceaselessly employed as a preliminary step in varied recipes, akin to fajitas, stir-fries, and omelets, the place the pepper contributes each style and textural components. The method sometimes includes thinly slicing the peppers and cooking them in a small quantity of oil over medium-high warmth, typically alongside onions and garlic, for about 5-7 minutes, or till they attain the specified tenderness. Overcooking might end in a mushy consistency, diminishing the pepper’s structural integrity.
The sensible significance of sauting resides in its means to rapidly unlock the pepper’s inherent flavors and put together it for additional integration into extra advanced dishes. For instance, sauted peppers might be added to a tomato sauce to impart a light spiciness and refined sweetness, enhancing the general complexity of the sauce. They may also be mixed with scrambled eggs or frittatas, offering a savory and barely crunchy part. The simplicity and velocity of sauting make it an accessible technique for incorporating this pepper into every day meals.
In abstract, sauting represents a sensible and environment friendly technique for making ready Hungarian wax peppers, influencing each their taste and texture. The caramelized sugars and softened construction improve their integration into varied culinary purposes, providing a flexible method to incorporating this pepper into numerous recipes. Mastering this system is key to maximizing the culinary potential of this ingredient.
4. Roasting strategies
Roasting serves as a transformative cooking technique when utilized to Hungarian wax peppers, yielding enhanced taste profiles and textural modifications that broaden their culinary purposes. The dry warmth of roasting caramelizes the peppers’ pure sugars, leading to a concentrated sweetness balanced by a refined smoky word. The next elucidates key sides of using roasting strategies in relation to recipes that includes this pepper.
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Taste Intensification
Roasting concentrates the pure sugars inside the pepper, producing a richer, extra advanced taste profile in comparison with uncooked or sauteed preparations. This intensified sweetness pairs nicely with savory components in dishes, creating balanced and nuanced style experiences. For instance, roasted peppers might be pureed into sauces or dips, offering a deep, smoky undertone that enhances the opposite components.
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Pores and skin Blistering and Removing
The excessive warmth of roasting causes the pepper’s pores and skin to blister, facilitating simple removing after cooking. Eradicating the pores and skin yields a smoother texture and eliminates any potential bitterness. That is notably helpful when incorporating the peppers into preparations the place a easy consistency is desired, akin to soups or creamy dips. The method sometimes includes putting the roasted peppers in a sealed container or bag after roasting to steam and loosen the skins.
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Textural Alteration
Roasting softens the flesh of the pepper, making it extra tender and pliable. This textural change is helpful in purposes the place a extra yielding consistency is most popular. For instance, roasted peppers might be layered in sandwiches or used as toppings on pizzas, offering a gentle and flavorful factor that enhances the opposite textures. Additionally they turn into simpler to digest, notably for people delicate to uncooked peppers.
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Versatile Software
Roasted Hungarian wax peppers might be included into a various array of recipes, starting from appetizers to most important programs. Their enhanced taste and texture make them appropriate to be used in salads, pastas, tacos, and varied vegetable-based dishes. The flexibility to arrange them upfront and retailer them for later use additional enhances their practicality in culinary settings. Additionally they stand alone as a aspect dish, seasoned with herbs and spices for a easy and flavorful accompaniment.
In conclusion, the appliance of roasting strategies to Hungarian wax peppers considerably enhances their culinary versatility and taste complexity. The intensified sweetness, softened texture, and ease of pores and skin removing make them a helpful ingredient in numerous recipes. Correct execution of roasting strategies permits for the maximization of their inherent qualities, contributing to a richer and extra satisfying culinary expertise.
5. Sauce integration
The incorporation of Hungarian wax peppers into sauces represents a big avenue for taste enhancement and culinary diversification. The pepper’s inherent traits contribute to the general profile of the sauce, influencing its warmth degree, sweetness, and textural complexity. The profitable integration of this ingredient requires cautious consideration of its properties and interplay with different parts.
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Warmth Modulation
Hungarian wax peppers introduce a average degree of capsaicin, the compound liable for perceived warmth. The depth varies relying on the pepper’s maturity and rising situations. In sauce preparation, this warmth might be modulated by eradicating the seeds and membranes, which include the very best focus of capsaicin. The mixing technique should think about the goal warmth degree and the tolerance of the supposed shoppers. For instance, a light tomato sauce might be enhanced with a small amount of finely diced pepper, whereas a spicier model may make use of a bigger amount or a pepper puree.
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Taste Layering
Past warmth, Hungarian wax peppers contribute a barely candy and fruity taste to sauces. This attribute enhances savory components akin to garlic, onions, and herbs. The peppers might be roasted or sauted previous to integration to additional develop their taste profile by means of caramelization. A roasted pepper puree, for example, can add depth and complexity to a barbecue sauce, contrasting the tanginess of vinegar and the sweetness of sugar. Strategic layering of flavors is essential to attaining a harmonious and well-balanced sauce.
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Textural Contributions
The textural impression of Hungarian wax peppers in sauces ranges from easy to chunky, relying on the preparation technique. Pureeing the peppers ends in a seamless integration, contributing to a velvety texture. Dicing or slicing the peppers introduces distinct items, including visible attraction and textural distinction. The choice of texture is dependent upon the supposed software of the sauce. For example, a pasta sauce may profit from a chunkier texture, whereas a dipping sauce may require a smoother consistency.
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Preservation Concerns
Incorporating Hungarian wax peppers into sauces may affect their preservation properties. The pepper’s acidity can contribute to inhibiting microbial progress, extending the shelf lifetime of the sauce. Moreover, strategies akin to canning or freezing might be employed to protect the sauce for extended durations. Correct dealing with and processing are important to make sure the security and high quality of preserved sauces containing this pepper.
In abstract, the profitable integration of Hungarian wax peppers into sauces necessitates a complete understanding of their warmth, taste, and textural contributions. Cautious consideration of those elements, alongside applicable preparation and preservation strategies, allows the creation of numerous and flavorful sauces that improve a variety of culinary purposes. The flexibility of this pepper makes it a helpful ingredient for each skilled cooks and residential cooks searching for so as to add depth and complexity to their sauces.
6. Fermentation processes
Fermentation represents a big preservation and flavor-enhancement approach relevant to Hungarian wax peppers. The method includes the managed cultivation of helpful microorganisms, primarily lactic acid micro organism, in an anaerobic atmosphere. These micro organism metabolize sugars current within the peppers, producing lactic acid, which lowers the pH and inhibits the expansion of spoilage organisms. The ensuing product displays a definite bitter and tangy taste profile, differing considerably from pickled peppers preserved solely with vinegar. Examples embody lacto-fermented scorching sauces incorporating pureed Hungarian wax peppers alongside different components, and complete, fermented peppers saved in brine for prolonged durations.
The significance of fermentation stems from its twin position in preservation and taste growth. Correctly fermented peppers can stay shelf-stable for months, providing a sustainable technique of meals preservation. Moreover, the metabolic exercise of the micro organism generates a posh array of taste compounds, contributing umami, esters, and different risky aromatics. Profitable fermentation requires exact management over elements akin to salinity, temperature, and oxygen publicity. Inadequate salinity might result in mildew progress, whereas extreme oxygen can promote undesirable microbial exercise. Conventional recipes typically depend on visible cues and sensory analysis to find out when fermentation is full, whereas fashionable approaches incorporate pH monitoring and microbial evaluation for better precision.
In conclusion, fermentation provides a novel and helpful method to preserving and enhancing Hungarian wax peppers. Understanding the underlying biochemical processes and controlling the environmental parameters are important for attaining fascinating outcomes. This method supplies an alternative choice to typical pickling strategies, yielding merchandise with distinct taste profiles and prolonged shelf lives. Whereas challenges exist in sustaining constant outcomes, the rewards of profitable fermentation each when it comes to taste and preservation make it a worthwhile endeavor for each residence cooks and industrial meals producers.
7. Warmth ranges
The warmth degree inherent in Hungarian wax peppers constitutes a vital variable in recipe growth and execution. Its administration dictates the general palatability and suitability of the dish for numerous client preferences. A complete understanding of this issue is subsequently important for attaining profitable culinary outcomes.
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Scoville Warmth Models (SHU)
The Scoville scale quantifies the pungency (spiciness or “warmth”) of chili peppers, together with Hungarian wax varieties. These peppers sometimes register between 1,000 and 15,000 SHU, putting them in a mild-to-moderate warmth vary. This vary dictates their suitability for people with various tolerance ranges. Recipes should account for this inherent warmth to keep away from overwhelming delicate palates or disappointing these searching for vital spiciness.
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Varietal Variations
Even inside the Hungarian wax pepper class, variations in warmth ranges exist because of elements akin to rising situations, maturity at harvest, and particular cultivar. Recipes have to acknowledge this variability, doubtlessly providing changes in pepper amount or preparation strategies (e.g., eradicating seeds and membranes) to compensate for inconsistencies. Direct sourcing from particular farms or suppliers permits for higher warmth degree predictability and consistency in completed dishes.
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Preparation Methods
Culinary preparations can both intensify or mitigate the warmth of Hungarian wax peppers. Roasting, for example, can barely mellow the spiciness, whereas pickling in acidic brines tends to protect and even intensify it. Eradicating the seeds and placental membranes considerably reduces the warmth. The tactic employed straight impacts the perceived spiciness within the remaining recipe. Recipes should specify these strategies to make sure predictable outcomes.
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Ingredient Synergies
The interplay of Hungarian wax peppers with different components in a recipe can modify the perceived warmth. Dairy merchandise, akin to cheese or cream, can neutralize capsaicin, the compound liable for the spiciness. Conversely, acidic components like vinegar or citrus juice can amplify the feeling. Balancing these synergistic results is essential for attaining a harmonious taste profile. Recipes should account for these interactions and supply steering on adjusting components accordingly.
In abstract, the managed administration of warmth ranges derived from Hungarian wax peppers is paramount in recipe design. Elements starting from inherent varietal properties to particular preparation strategies and ingredient pairings all contribute to the ultimate notion of spiciness. A radical consideration of those components ensures that recipes successfully harness the peppers’ taste potential whereas remaining palatable and pleasurable for the supposed viewers.
8. Preservation strategies
The extension of usability and mitigation of spoilage in Hungarian wax peppers necessitates the appliance of varied preservation strategies. These strategies be sure that the peppers stay obtainable for consumption and culinary software past their recent harvest window. Understanding these strategies is essential for optimizing the utilization of this ingredient.
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Pickling
Pickling includes submerging the peppers in an acidic resolution, sometimes composed of vinegar, water, salt, and spices. The acidity inhibits microbial progress, thereby stopping spoilage. Variations in pickling recipes come up from differing spice mixtures and vinegar sorts, every imparting distinctive taste profiles. This technique is often employed to create shelf-stable condiments or components for future culinary use. Examples embody pickled pepper rings added to sandwiches or salads.
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Freezing
Freezing halts enzymatic exercise and microbial progress by lowering the temperature to under freezing. Peppers supposed for freezing are sometimes washed, sliced, and blanched earlier than being saved in hermetic containers. Whereas efficient at preserving, freezing can alter the feel of the peppers, making them softer upon thawing. This technique is finest suited to peppers supposed to be used in cooked dishes the place texture is much less vital, akin to stews or sauces.
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Dehydration
Dehydration removes moisture from the peppers, inhibiting microbial progress. Strategies embody air-drying, oven-drying, and the usage of specialised dehydrators. Dehydrated peppers might be floor into powders or rehydrated to be used in recipes. This method concentrates the flavour of the peppers, leading to a extra intense style expertise. Examples embody utilizing dried pepper flakes to season chili or soups.
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Oil Preservation
Submerging the peppers in oil creates an anaerobic atmosphere that inhibits the expansion of many spoilage organisms. Usually, the peppers are first blanched or roasted earlier than being submerged in oil together with herbs and spices. This technique can impart extra flavors to the peppers. Care should be taken to make sure correct sealing and storage to stop botulism, a severe foodborne sickness related to anaerobic environments.
These preservation strategies permit for the prolonged enjoyment and versatile software of Hungarian wax peppers in numerous culinary contexts. The choice of a selected approach is dependent upon the specified taste profile, texture, and supposed use of the preserved peppers, thereby maximizing their culinary potential.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries and misconceptions concerning the preparation and utilization of Hungarian wax peppers in varied recipes. The data offered goals to make clear finest practices and improve culinary outcomes.
Query 1: What’s the optimum technique for lowering the warmth degree in Hungarian wax peppers utilized in recipes?
The first technique includes eradicating the seeds and placental membranes, as these include the very best focus of capsaicin. Soaking the sliced peppers in chilly water for about half-hour earlier than cooking can additional cut back warmth. Moreover, cooking with dairy merchandise can neutralize capsaicin.
Query 2: How does pickling affect the flavour profile of Hungarian wax peppers?
Pickling introduces acidity and alters the feel of the peppers. The flavour is considerably influenced by the composition of the pickling brine, together with the kind of vinegar, salt focus, and the inclusion of spices and herbs. Fermented pickling brines introduce bitter and umami notes.
Query 3: What are one of the best storage practices for recent Hungarian wax peppers?
Contemporary peppers needs to be saved within the fridge, ideally in a crisper drawer, to keep up optimum moisture ranges and forestall untimely spoilage. Keep away from washing the peppers earlier than storing, as extra moisture can speed up decay. They need to be used inside one to 2 weeks for optimum taste and texture.
Query 4: Can frozen Hungarian wax peppers be successfully utilized in recipes?
Sure, however freezing alters the pepper’s texture, making it softer upon thawing. Frozen peppers are finest suited to recipes the place texture will not be a main concern, akin to stews, soups, or sauces. Make sure the peppers are correctly blanched earlier than freezing to protect their coloration and taste.
Query 5: What dishes are finest suited to showcasing the flavour of Hungarian wax peppers?
Hungarian wax peppers excel in dishes that profit from a light to average warmth and a barely candy taste. They’re notably well-suited for pickling, stuffing, roasting, and incorporating into sauces or relishes. They may also be added to pizzas, sandwiches, and omelets for a flavorful kick.
Query 6: How does the maturity of the pepper have an effect on its taste and warmth?
The maturity of the pepper considerably impacts its taste and warmth. Immature peppers are typically milder and fewer candy, whereas absolutely mature peppers exhibit a brighter coloration, elevated sweetness, and better capsaicin content material, leading to a spicier taste profile. Deciding on peppers based mostly on the specified degree of warmth is important for attaining predictable culinary outcomes.
Correct preparation and preservation strategies are key to maximizing the culinary versatility of Hungarian wax peppers. Cautious consideration of warmth ranges, taste profiles, and storage strategies allows the creation of numerous and flavorful dishes.
The next part will discover particular recipes, offering detailed directions for incorporating Hungarian wax peppers into quite a lot of culinary creations.
Ideas for Mastering Hungarian Wax Peppers Recipes
Efficient utilization of Hungarian wax peppers in culinary purposes calls for cautious consideration of a number of elements. The next suggestions provide steering for maximizing taste, managing warmth, and making certain constant outcomes when making ready dishes that includes this ingredient.
Tip 1: Warmth Mitigation by means of Seed Removing: Nearly all of capsaicin, the compound liable for the pepper’s warmth, is concentrated within the seeds and placental membranes. Eradicating these parts earlier than cooking considerably reduces the perceived spiciness, permitting for better management over the ultimate dish’s warmth degree.
Tip 2: Balancing Acidity in Pickling Brines: When pickling, a balanced ratio of vinegar to water is essential for each taste and preservation. Inadequate acidity can compromise meals security, whereas extreme acidity may end up in an unpalatable taste profile. Adherence to established recipes and cautious pH monitoring are really useful.
Tip 3: Roasting for Enhanced Sweetness: Roasting Hungarian wax peppers caramelizes their pure sugars, leading to a sweeter and extra advanced taste. This method is especially helpful when incorporating the peppers into sauces or purees, the place a deeper taste profile is desired. Guarantee even roasting by rotating the peppers periodically.
Tip 4: Pre-Blanching for Freezing: Previous to freezing, blanching the peppers for a quick interval (2-3 minutes) helps to protect their coloration and texture. This course of deactivates enzymes that may result in deterioration throughout frozen storage. Instantly switch the blanched peppers to an ice bathtub to halt the cooking course of.
Tip 5: Using Gloves Throughout Dealing with: Capsaicin may cause pores and skin irritation. Subsequently, the usage of gloves is really useful when dealing with Hungarian wax peppers, notably when eradicating seeds or processing giant portions. Keep away from touching the face, particularly the eyes, whereas dealing with the peppers.
Tip 6: Managed Fermentation Environments: For fermented preparations, sustaining a constant temperature and anaerobic atmosphere is important. Variations in temperature can disrupt the fermentation course of, whereas publicity to oxygen can promote undesirable microbial progress. Make the most of airlock-equipped jars to make sure correct anaerobic situations.
Tip 7: Taste Pairing Concerns: Hungarian wax peppers pair nicely with varied flavors, together with garlic, onions, smoked paprika, and cumin. Experimenting with totally different spice mixtures can improve the general taste profile of the dish. Take into account the supposed software of the pepper and choose complementary flavors accordingly.
These strategies, when correctly applied, improve the flavour, handle the warmth, and prolong the usability of the ingredient. Mastering the following tips ensures the constant manufacturing of high-quality dishes that includes this flavorful pepper.
The next conclusion will summarize the important thing insights gleaned from this exploration of Hungarian wax peppers recipes and their varied sides.
Conclusion
The foregoing exploration has delineated varied points of culinary preparations involving hungarian wax peppers recipes. Key areas addressed embody preservation strategies akin to pickling, freezing, and dehydration; strategies for managing inherent warmth ranges by means of seed removing and ingredient pairings; and the affect of cooking strategies, akin to roasting and sauteing, on taste and texture. The flexibility of this pepper has been demonstrated throughout numerous purposes, from easy condiments to advanced dishes.
Efficient utilization of this pepper in recipe growth requires a nuanced understanding of its properties and potential interactions with different components. Continued experimentation and refinement of those strategies will additional increase the culinary potentialities, contributing to a richer and extra numerous gastronomic panorama. Mastery of such information ensures constant and predictable ends in the creation of flavourful dishes with a definite character.
