Use caution when handling these chiles: Thai chiles are so hot that they can instantly irritate the skin on the hands and it can be excruciating if their juice comes in contact with the eyes. Wear thin disposable surgical gloves while working with hot chiles, and don’t touch your face until the gloves are removed. The seeds and membranes in chile peppers contain most of the capsaicin, the compound that lends them their mouth-searing qualities. Many recipes recommend that fresh Thai chiles be used without their seeds.

Finely sliced Thai peppers can be mixed with the hot oil in a stir-fry or used to heat up coconut soups and noodle dishes. Thai pepper is often found in hot sauces and is used decoratively in many Asian dishes.