Chili peppers add kick, warmth and character to dishes. From Mexican salsas to Asian curries and spicy sauces: they are indispensable worldwide. Yet their origin lies entirely in the warm regions of Central and South America.
All chili peppers belong to the genus Capsicum. After the discovery of the Americas, Spanish and Portuguese traders spread the pepper across Europe, Africa and Asia. Within a few centuries chili pepper became a staple in countless cuisines.
What exactly is a chili pepper?
There are about 30 species within the genus Capsicum. The best-known species in the supermarket is Capsicum annuum. This includes, among others, bell pepper, jalapeño and cayenne pepper.
Botanically, chili peppers are not vegetables but berries. The plant is officially considered annual (annuum means 'annual'), but in warm climates without frost it can grow into a perennial shrub.
Why is chili pepper hot?
The heat is caused by capsaicin. This compound stimulates the heat receptors in your mouth.