The chili pepper, chilli pepper, or more simply just "chili", is the fruit of the plants from the genus Capsicum, which are members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Capsicum is a Genus of Plants from the nightshade family ( Solanaceae) native to the Americas, where it was cultivated for thousands The Solanaceae is a family of Flowering plants that contains a number of important agricultural plants as well as many toxic plants The Solanaceae is a family of Flowering plants that contains a number of important agricultural plants as well as many toxic plants Even though chilis may be thought of as a vegetable, their culinary usage is generally as a spice, the part of the plant that is usually harvested is the fruit, and botany considers the plant a berry shrub. The term " vegetable " generally means the edible parts of Plants The definition of the word is traditional rather than Scientific, however A spice is a dried Seed, Fruit, Root, Bark or vegetative substance used in Nutritionally insignificant quantities as a Food additive The term fruit has different meanings dependent on context and the term is not synonymous in Food preparation and Biology. Botany, plant science(s, phytology, or plant biology is a branch of Biology and is the scientific study of plant Life The word berry has two meanings one based on a botanical definition the other on common identification The name, which is spelled differently in many regions (chili, chile, or chilli), comes from Nahuatl chīlli via the Spanish word chile. Nahuatl ( is a group of related languages and dialects of the Aztecan or Nahuan branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family The term chili in most of the world refers exclusively to the smaller, hot types of capsicum. The mild larger types are called bell pepper in the United States, Canada (and sometimes the United Kingdom), sweet pepper in Britain and Ireland, capsicum in India and Australasia, and paprika in many European countries. "Green pepper" redirects here For green peppercorns see Black pepper. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Capsicum is a Genus of Plants from the nightshade family ( Solanaceae) native to the Americas, where it was cultivated for thousands Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world Capsicum is a Genus of Plants from the nightshade family ( Solanaceae) native to the Americas, where it was cultivated for thousands India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Australasia is a Region of Oceania: New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and neighbouring Islands in the Pacific Paprika is a spice made from the grinding of dried sweet red or green Bell peppers ( Capsicum annuum) Finally, bell peppers are often named simply by their colour (e. g. green or red pepper).

Chili peppers

Chili peppers and their various cultivars originate in the Americas; they are now grown around the world because they are widely used as spices or vegetables in cuisine, and as medicine. A cultivar is a cultivated Plant that has been selected and given a unique name because of its decorative or useful characteristics it is usually distinct from similar The Americas are the lands of the Western hemisphere or New World, consisting of the Continents of North America and South America A spice is a dried Seed, Fruit, Root, Bark or vegetative substance used in Nutritionally insignificant quantities as a Food additive The term " vegetable " generally means the edible parts of Plants The definition of the word is traditional rather than Scientific, however Cuisine (from French cuisine, "cooking culinary art kitchen" ultimately from Latin coquere, "to cook" is a specific set Medicine is the art and science of healing It encompasses a range of Health care practices evolved to maintain and restore Human Health by the

History of the Chilli Pepper

Chilli peppers have been a part of the human diet in the Americas since at least 7500 BC and perhaps earlier. There is archaeological evidence at sites located in southwestern Ecuador that chilli peppers were already well domesticated more than 6000 years ago,^[1][2] and is one of the first cultivated crops in the Americas. Archaeology, archeology, or archæology (from Greek grc ἀρχαιολογία archaiologia – grc ἀρχαῖος archaīos For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Ecuador topics. Domestication (from Latin domesticus) refers to the process whereby a Population of Animals

Chilli peppers are thought to have been domesticated at least five times by prehistoric peoples in different parts of South and North America, from Peru in the south to Mexico in the north and parts of Colorado and New Mexico (Ancient Pueblo Peoples). Peru (Perú Piruw Piruw officially the Republic of Peru ( reˈpuβlika del peˈɾu is a country in western South America. The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. "Anasazi" directs here For the X-Files episode see Anasazi (The X-Files. ^[3]

Christopher Columbus was one of the first Europeans to encounter them (in the Caribbean), and called them "peppers" because of their similarity in taste (though not in appearance) with the Old World peppers of the Piper genus. Christopher Columbus (1451 &ndash May 20 1506 was an Italian Navigator, colonizer The Caribbean (ˌkærəˡbiən kæ'rəbiən Cariben|Caraïben or Caraïben; Caraïbe or more commonly Antilles; Caribe is a Region consisting Black pepper ( Piper nigrum) is a flowering Vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its Fruit, which is usually dried Piper, the pepper plants or pepper vines (a term used for certain Clematis in older times are an economically and ecologically Columbus was keen to propose that he had in fact opened a new direct nautical route to Asia, contrary to reality and the expert consensus of the time, and it has been speculated that he was therefore inclined to denote these new substances as "pepper" in order to associate them with the known Asian spice.

Chillis were cultivated around the globe after Columbus' time. ^[4][5] Diego Álvarez Chanca, a physician on Columbus' second voyage to the West Indies in 1493, brought the first chili peppers to Spain, and first wrote about their medicinal effects in 1494. Diego Alvarez Chanca (b and d unknown was a physician and companion of Christopher Columbus. Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.

From Mexico, at the time the Spanish colony that controlled commerce with Asia, chili peppers spread rapidly into the Philippines and then to India, China, Korea and Japan with the aid of European sailors. The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Korea is a geographic area composed of two sovereign countries a civilization and a former state situated on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. The new spice was quickly incorporated into the local cuisines.

An alternate sequence for chili peppers' spread has the Portuguese picking up the pepper from Spain, and thence to India, as described by Lizzie Collingham in her book Curry. ^[6] The evidence provided is that the chili pepper figures heavily in the cuisine of the Goan region of India, which was the site of a Portuguese colony (e. g. Vindaloo, an Indian interpretation of a Portuguese dish). The term Vindaloo, derivative of the Portuguese "vinha d'alhos" and also called Vindalho or Vindallo, refers to a popular Indian dish Collingham also describes the journey of chili peppers from India, through Central Asia and Turkey, to Hungary, where it became the national spice in the form of paprika. Turkey (Türkiye known officially as the Republic of Turkey ( is a Eurasian Country that stretches Hungary (Magyarország 'mɔɟɔrorsaːg) officially in English the Republic of Hungary ( Magyar Köztársaság, literally Magyar (Hungarian Republic Paprika is a spice made from the grinding of dried sweet red or green Bell peppers ( Capsicum annuum)

In the publication Svensk Botanisk Tidskrift (1995), Professor Hakon Hjelmqvist published an article on pre-Columbian chili peppers in Europe. Svensk Botanisk Tidskrift is a magazine for Botanists published by Svenska Botaniska föreningen since 1907 In an archaeological dig in the block of St. Botulf in Lund, archaeologists claimed to have found a Capsicum frutescens in a layer dating to the 13th century. (lɵnd is a city in the province of Scania, southern Sweden. The town has 76188 inhabitants out of a muncipal total of 105000 Archaeology, archeology, or archæology (from Greek grc ἀρχαιολογία archaiologia – grc ἀρχαῖος archaīos Hjelmqvist also claims that Capsicum was described by the Greek Therophrasteus (370-286 BC). Theophrastus ( Greek:; 371 – c 287 BC a Greek native of Eressos in Lesbos, was the successor of Aristotle in the Peripatetic He also mentions other antique sources. The Roman poet Martialis (around the 1st century) described "Pipervee crudum" (raw pepper) to be long and containing seeds. Marcus Valerius Martialis (known in English as Martial) (March 1 40 AD - ca The description of the plants does not fit pepper (Piper nigrum), which does not grow well in European climates. Black pepper ( Piper nigrum) is a flowering Vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its Fruit, which is usually dried ^[7]

The Black Habanero or as it is sometimes known, the Chocolate Habanero or Habanero Negra, is thought to be the closest to the original peppers that grew in the South American coastal plains. It is known to gourmets but rarely available, due to its long maturity and general rarity. Seeds are more readily available today but care is needed when purchasing as many sub species are sold under the same name.

Species and cultivars

Cayenne chili pepper

See also: List of capsicum cultivars

The most common species of chili peppers are:

• Capsicum annuum, which includes many common varieties such as bell peppers, paprika, cayenne, jalapeños, and the chiltepin
• Capsicum frutescens, which includes the tabasco peppers
• Capsicum chinense, which includes the hottest peppers such as the naga, habanero and Scotch bonnet
• Capsicum pubescens, which includes the South American rocoto peppers
• Capsicum baccatum, which includes the South American aji peppers

Assorted bell pepper fruits from Mexico

Though there are only a few commonly used species, there are many cultivars and methods of preparing chili peppers that have different common names for culinary use. This is a list of Capsicum varieties cultivars and breeds. The hotness of the fruit in this list is indicated in the Scoville scale, which ranges from no heat Capsicum annuum is a domesticated species of the plant genus Capsicum native to Mexico. "Green pepper" redirects here For green peppercorns see Black pepper. Paprika is a spice made from the grinding of dried sweet red or green Bell peppers ( Capsicum annuum) The Cayenne is a red hot Chili pepper used to flavor dishes and for medicinal purposes The jalapeño ( Nahuatl: xalapeño ( or /ˌhæləˈpeɪnjoʊ/ Castilian, Mexican) is a medium to large size Chili pepper Chiltepin, also called chiltepe or chile tepin, is a wild Chile pepper that grows primarily in Guatemala, Mexico, and the Capsicum frutescens is a species of Chili pepper that includes the following Cultivar and varieties: African birdseye, or African The tabasco pepper is a variety of Chile pepper species Capsicum frutescens. Capsicum chinense (syn Capsicum sinense) is a species of Chili peppers that includes the following varieties: The Naga Jolokia (also known as Bhut Jolokia, Ghost Chili, Ghost Pepper, Naga Morich) is a Chili pepper that grows in Bangladesh The habanero chile ( Capsicum chinense Jacquin (sometimes incorrectly spelled "habañero" is one of the most intensely spicy species of Chili peppers The rocoto, or locoto ( Capsicum pubescens) is a medium sized round Chili pepper common in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador The rocoto, or locoto ( Capsicum pubescens) is a medium sized round Chili pepper common in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador The ají pepper, also known as Peruvian hot pepper, is a unique species of Chili pepper, Capsicum baccatum, containing several different The ají pepper, also known as Peruvian hot pepper, is a unique species of Chili pepper, Capsicum baccatum, containing several different "Green pepper" redirects here For green peppercorns see Black pepper. A cultivar is a cultivated Plant that has been selected and given a unique name because of its decorative or useful characteristics it is usually distinct from similar Bell peppers, for example, are the same cultivar of C. "Green pepper" redirects here For green peppercorns see Black pepper. annuum; immature peppers being green and mature peppers being red. In the same species are the jalapeño, the poblano (when dried is referred to as ancho), New Mexico (which is also known as chile colorado), Anaheim, Serrano, and other cultivars. The jalapeño ( Nahuatl: xalapeño ( or /ˌhæləˈpeɪnjoʊ/ Castilian, Mexican) is a medium to large size Chili pepper The Poblano is a very mild Chile pepper originating in the State of Puebla, Mexico. The name Anaheim refers to a mild variety of the New Mexican Chili pepper and is a member of the Capsicum genus The name Anaheim refers to a mild variety of the New Mexican Chili pepper and is a member of the Capsicum genus The serrano pepper ( Capsicum annuum) is a type of Chili pepper that originated in the mountainous regions of the Mexican states of

Scotch bonnets, and habaneros are common varieties of C. The Scotch Bonnet ( Capsicum chinense Jacq is a variety of Chilli pepper similar to and of the same species as the Habanero. The habanero chile ( Capsicum chinense Jacquin (sometimes incorrectly spelled "habañero" is one of the most intensely spicy species of Chili peppers chinense.

The species C. frutescens appears as chiles de árbol, aji, pequin, tabasco, cherry peppers, malagueta and others. Pequin (or Piquin) pepper (pronunciation pee/puh-KEEN is a hot Chile pepper, also known as "bird pepper" that is commonly used as a spice The tabasco pepper is a variety of Chile pepper species Capsicum frutescens. Pimento is sometimes a synonym for Allspice. The Pimento, Pimiento, or Cherry Pepper is a variety of large red heart-shaped Malagueta pepper ( Capsicum frutescens var malagueta, Solanaceae) is a type of chilli used in Brazil Portugal and Mozambique

Peppers are commonly broken down into three groupings: bell peppers, sweet peppers, and hot peppers. Most popular pepper varieties are seen as falling into one of these categories or as a cross between them.

Intensity

Further information: Capsaicin, Scoville scale

The substances that gives chili peppers their intensity when ingested or applied topically are capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) and several related chemicals, collectively called capsaicinoids. Capsaicin /ˌkæpˈseˌɪsɪn/ (8- Methyl - N - Vanillyl -6-nonen Amide) is the active component of Chili peppers The Scoville scale is a measure of the hotness or piquancy of a Chili pepper. Capsaicin is the primary ingredient in pepper spray. Pepper spray (also known as OC spray (from " Oleoresin Capsicum " OC gas, capsicum spray, or oleoresin capsicum

When consumed, capsaicinoids bind with pain receptors in the mouth and throat that are normally responsible for sensing heat. Once activated by the capsaicinoids, these receptors send a message to the brain that the person has consumed something hot. The brain responds to the burning sensation by raising the heart rate, increasing perspiration and releasing the body's natural painkilling chemical, endorphin. Endorphins are Endogenous Opioid Polypeptide compounds They are produced by the Pituitary gland and the Hypothalamus in Vertebrates

The "heat" of chili peppers is measured in Scoville units (SHU). Bell peppers rank at 0 (SHU), New Mexico green chilis at about 1,500 SHU, jalapeños at 3,000–6,000 SHU, and habaneros at 300,000 SHU. "Green pepper" redirects here For green peppercorns see Black pepper. The record for the hottest chili pepper was assigned by the Guinness Book of Records to the Naga Jolokia, measuring over 1,000,000 SHU. Guinness World Records, known until 2000 as The Guinness Book of Records (and in previous U The Naga Jolokia (also known as Bhut Jolokia, Ghost Chili, Ghost Pepper, Naga Morich) is a Chili pepper that grows in Bangladesh Pure capsaicin, which is a hydrophobic, colorless, odorless, crystalline to waxy solid at room temperature, measures 16,000,000 SHU. In Chemistry, hydrophobicity (from the combining form of water in Attic Greek hydro- and for fear phobos) refers to the physical property of

Culinary use

Thai pepper. Thai pepper ( Thai: prik ki nu) refers to any of three cultivars of Chili pepper, found commonly in Thailand, and also in neighbouring countries Similar in variety as the African birdseye, it is considerably strong for its size. African birdseye (or African devil or African red devil) is a Cultivar of the Chili pepper that grows both wild and domesticated

The chili has a long association with Mexican cuisine as later adapted into Tex-Mex cuisine. Mexican food is a style of food that originated in Mexico. Mexican cuisine is known for its intense and varied flavors colorful decoration and variety of spices Tex-Mex is a term used primarily in Texas and the Southwestern United States to describe a regional American cuisine that blends Food products Although unknown in Asia until Europeans introduced it there, chili has also become a part of the Korean, Indian, Indonesian, Szechuan, Thai and other cooking traditions. Korean cuisine as a national Cuisine known today has evolved through centuries of social and political change India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country The Republic of Indonesia ( (Republik Indonesia is a Country in Southeast Asia. Szechuan cuisine, Szechwan cuisine, or Sichuan cuisine ( is a style of Chinese cuisine originating in Sichuan Province of southwestern The Kingdom of Thailand (ˈtaɪlænd ราชอาณาจักรไทย, râːtɕʰa-ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k-tʰɑj Its popularity has seen it adopted into many cuisines of the World.

Chili fruit

The fruit is eaten raw or cooked for its fiery hot flavour which is concentrated along the top of the pod. The stem end of the pod has glands which produce the capsaicin, which then flows down through the pod. The white flesh, that surrounds the seeds, contains the highest concentrations of capsaicin. Removing the seeds and inner membranes is thus effective at reducing the heat of a pod.

Fresh Indian Green Chilis sold in HAL market, Bangalore

Chili is often sold worldwide as a spice in dried and powdered form. Bangalore ( officially Bengaluru ( Kannada: ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು) is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. A spice is a dried Seed, Fruit, Root, Bark or vegetative substance used in Nutritionally insignificant quantities as a Food additive In the United States, it is often made from the Mexican chile ancho variety, but with small amounts of cayenne added for heat. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the In the Southwest United States, dried ground chili peppers, cumin, garlic and oregano is often known as chili powder. The Southwestern area of the United States could be defined as the states west of the Mississippi River, with the qualification of a certain northern limit such as the 37 Chili powder is a Generic name for any powdered Spice mix composed chiefly of Chili peppers, most commonly either red peppers or cayenne peppers Chipotles are dry, smoked red (ripe) jalapeños. A chipotle (tʃɨˈpoʊtleɪ chee-POTE-lay; Spanish tʃiˈpotle) is a smoke-dried Jalapeño chili used primarily in Mexican,

Chili peppers are also often used around the world to make a wide variety of sauces, known as hot sauce, chili sauce, or pepper sauce. Hot sauce, chili sauce, or pepper sauce refer to any spicy Sauce made from Chili peppers and other ingredients There are countless recipes.

Indian cooking has multiple uses for chilis, from snacks like bajji where the chilis are dipped in batter and fried to the infamously hot vindaloo. Pakora ( Hindi: पकोड़ा Urdu: پکوڑا) is a fried snack found across the Indian subcontinent. The term Vindaloo, derivative of the Portuguese "vinha d'alhos" and also called Vindalho or Vindallo, refers to a popular Indian dish Chilis are also dried and roasted and salted for later use as a side dish for rice varieties like vadam (a kind of pappad). In Turkish or Ottoman cuisine, chilis are widely used where it is known as Kırmızı Biber (Red Pepper) or Acı Biber (Hot Pepper). Turkish cuisine is largely the heritage of Ottoman cuisine, which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and The Ottoman Empire (1299–1923 ( Old Ottoman Turkish: دولتْ علیّه عثمانیّه Devlet-i Âliye-yi Osmâniyye, Late Ottoman and Modern Turkish Sambal is dipping sauce made from chili peppers with many other ingredients such as garlic, onion, shallots, salt, vinegar and sugar, which is very popular in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. For the Indian dish see Sambar (dish. For the ethnic group see Sambal people. Chili powder is an important spice in Persian cuisine and is used moderately in a variety of dishes. Persian cuisine or the cuisine of Iran is diverse with each province featuring dishes culinary traditions and styles distinct to their regions

Chili leaves

The leaves of the chili pepper plant, which are mildly bitter, are cooked as greens in Filipino cuisine, where they are called dahon ng sili (literally "chili leaves"). Leaf vegetables, also called potherbs, greens, or leafy greens, are plant leaves eaten as a Vegetable, sometimes accompanied Philippine cuisine has evolved over several centuries from its Malay roots to a cuisine of predominantly Spanish They are often used in the chicken soup dish known as tinola. Tinola in Tagalog or La uya in Ilocano is a soup-based dish served as an appetizer or main entrée in the Philippines. [1] In Korean cuisine, the leaves are also used to produce kimchi (풋고추잎 깍두기). Kimchi, also spelled gimchi or kimchee, is a traditional Korean fermented dish made of vegetables with varied seasonings most commonly referring to ^[8]

Decoration

Chili peppers can also be used decoratively

There are entire breeds of chili pepper which are not intended for consumption at all, but are grown only for their decorative qualities, generally referred to as "ornamental peppers". Some of them are too hot for most common cooking techniques, or simply don't taste good. Some are grown for both decoration and food. Either way, they tend to have peppers of unusual shapes or colors. Examples of these include Thai Ornamental, Black Pearl, Marble, Numex Twilight, and the Medusa pepper. Thai pepper ( Thai: prik ki nu) refers to any of three cultivars of Chili pepper, found commonly in Thailand, and also in neighbouring countries Numex twilight is one of the most unusual varieties of Chili pepper developed at New Mexico State University (which creates all " NuMex " breeds Numex Twilight is a green plant which produces fruit starting purple, then ripening to yellow, orange, and red. Black Pearl has black leaves and round black fruit that ripen to a bright red. In India, the chili, along with lime is used to ward off evil spirits and is often seen in vehicles and in homes for that purpose. Lime is a term referring to a number of different fruits (generally Citruses, both Species and hybrids, which are typically round green to yellow It is also used to check the evil eye and remove its effects in Hinduism as people will also be asked to spit into a handful of chilis kept in that plate, which are then thrown into fire. The evil eye is a belief that the Envy elicited by the good Luck of fortunate people may result in their misfortune If the chilis make a noise - as they should - then there is no case of "drishti" (evil eye); if on the other hand they don't make any sound, then the spell of the evil eye is removed in the fire.

The Black Pearl cultivar has round black fruit that ripen to a bright red

Popularity

Scotch bonnet chili peppers in a Caribbean market

Chili peppers are a popular item in food as well. They are rich in vitamin C and are believed to have many beneficial effects on health. Vitamin C or L-ascorbate is an Essential nutrient for a large number of higher primate species a small number of other Mammalian Psychologist Paul Rozin suggests that eating chilis is an example of a "constrained risk" like riding a roller coaster, in which extreme sensations like pain and fear can be enjoyed because individuals know that these sensations are not actually harmful. Paul Rozin (born 1936 is a Psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania. The roller coaster is a popular Amusement ride developed for Amusement parks and modern Theme parks LaMarcus Adna Thompson patented the first This method lets people experience extreme feelings without any risk of bodily harm. ^[9]

Chili peppers drying in Kathmandu, Nepal

Evolutionary advantages

Birds do not have the same sensitivity to capsaicin as mammals, as capsaicin acts on a specific nerve receptor in mammals, and avian nervous systems are rather different. Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. Mammals ( class Mammalia) are a class of Vertebrate Animals characterized by the presence of Sweat glands, including sweat glands Chili peppers are in fact a favorite food of many birds living in the chili peppers' natural range. The flesh of the peppers provides the birds with a nutritious meal rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C or L-ascorbate is an Essential nutrient for a large number of higher primate species a small number of other Mammalian In return, the seeds of the peppers are distributed by the birds, as they drop the seeds while eating the pods or the seeds pass through the digestive tract unharmed. A seed (in some plants referred to as a kernel) is a small embryonic Plant enclosed in a covering called the seed coat usually with some stored This relationship is theorized to have promoted the evolution of the protective capsaicin. eVolution is the third Album by eLDee, it was due to be released in 2008 Products based on this substance have been sold to treat the seeds in bird feeders, in order to deter squirrels and other mammalian vermin without also deterring birds.

Spelling and usage

The three primary spellings are chili, chile and chilli, all of which are recognized by dictionaries.

• Chili is widely used, although in much of South America the plant and its fruit are better known as ají, locoto, chile, or rocoto. However, this spelling is discouraged by some in the United States of America, since it also commonly refers to a popular Southwestern-American dish (also known as chili con carne (literally chili with meat); the official state dish of Texas^[10]), as well as to the mixture of cumin and other spices (chili powder) used to flavor it. Chili con carne (often known simply as chili) is a spicy Stew made from Chili peppers Meat, Garlic, Onions Chili powder is a Generic name for any powdered Spice mix composed chiefly of Chili peppers, most commonly either red peppers or cayenne peppers Chili powder and chile powder, on the other hand, can both refer to dried, ground chili peppers.

• Chile is an alternate usage, the most common Spanish spelling in Mexico^[11], as well as some parts of the United States of America and Canada, which refers specifically to this plant and its fruit. The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page In the American southwest (particularly northern New Mexico), chile also denotes a thick, spicy, un-vinegared sauce, which is available in red and green varieties and which is often served over most New Mexican cuisine. New Mexico ( is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States of America.

• Chilli was the original Romanization of the Náhuatl language word for the fruit (chīlli) ^[12] and is the preferred British spelling according to the Oxford English Dictionary, although it also lists chile and chili as variants. In Linguistics, romanization (or latinization, also spelled romanisation or latinisation) is the representation of a Word or Nahuatl ( is a group of related languages and dialects of the Aztecan or Nahuan branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family The Oxford English Dictionary ( OED) published by the Oxford University Press (OUP is a comprehensive Dictionary of the English This spelling is discouraged by some, since it would be pronounced differently in the Spanish language, into which it was first Romanized.

Despite the country's mapped shape resembling a chili pepper, the name of this plant bears no relation to Chile, the country, which is named after the Quechua chin ("cold"), tchili ("snow"), or chilli ("where the land ends"). Chile, officially the Republic of Chile ( Spanish:) is a country in South America occupying a long and narrow Coastal strip wedged between the Quechua ( Runa Simi) is a Native American language of South America. Chile is one of the Spanish-speaking countries where chilis are known as ají, a word of Taíno origin. The Taínos were pre-Columbian inhabitants of the Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and the northern Lesser Antilles.

There is also some disagreement about whether it is proper to use the word "pepper" when discussing chili peppers because "pepper" originally referred to the genus Piper, not Capsicum. Piper, the pepper plants or pepper vines (a term used for certain Clematis in older times are an economically and ecologically Despite this dispute, a sense of pepper referring to Capsicum is supported by English dictionaries, including the Oxford English Dictionary (sense 2b of pepper) and Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, which was originally the G & C Merriam Company of Springfield Massachusetts, is an American company that publishes reference books ^[13] Furthermore, the word "pepper" is commonly used in the botanical and culinary fields in the names of different types of chili peppers.

Nutritional value

Red chilis contain high amounts of vitamin C and provitamin A. Vitamin C or L-ascorbate is an Essential nutrient for a large number of higher primate species a small number of other Mammalian The term carotene is used for several related substances having the formula C40H56 Because of the high amount of vitamin C some South American athletes consume chili peppers before strenuous exercises. Yellow and especially green chilis (which are essentially unripe fruit) contain a considerably lower amount of both substances. In addition, peppers are a good source of most B vitamins, and vitamin B6 in particular. The B vitamins are eight water-soluble Vitamins that play important roles in cell Metabolism. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble Vitamin. Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP is the active form and is a cofactor in many reactions of Amino acid metabolism including They are very high in potassium and high in magnesium and iron. Potassium (pəˈtæsiəm is a Chemical element. It has the symbol K (kalium from qalīy Atomic number 19 and Atomic mass 39 Magnesium (mægˈniːziəm is a Chemical element with the symbol Mg, Atomic number 12 Atomic weight 24 Iron (ˈаɪɚn is a Chemical element with the symbol Fe (ferrum and Atomic number 26 Their high vitamin C content can also substantially increase the uptake of non-heme iron from other ingredients in a meal, such as beans and grains. Bean is a common name for large plant Seeds of several genera of the family Fabaceae (formerly Leguminosae used for human food or animal

Possible health benefits

All chili peppers contain phytochemicals known collectively as capsaicinoids. Phytochemicals are plant-derived chemical compounds under scientific research for their potential health-promoting properties but with unproved benefits

• Capsaicin was shown, in laboratory settings, to cause cancer cell apoptosis in rats. Cancer (medical term Malignant Neoplasm) is a class of Diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled ^[14]
• Recent research in mice shows that chili (capsaicin in particular) may offer some hope of weight loss for people suffering from obesity. Weight loss, in the context of Medicine or Health or Physical fitness, is a reduction of the total Body weight, due to a mean loss of fluid Obesity is a condition in which excess Body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected ^[15][16]
• Canadian researchers used capsaicin from chillies to kill nerve cells in the pancreases of mice with Type 1 diabetes, thus allowing the insulin producing cells to start producing insulin again. Diabetes mellitus (ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz or /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtəs/ /məˈlaɪtəs/ or /ˈmɛlətəs/ often referred to simply as diabetes ( Ancient Greek: grc ^[17][18]
• Research in humans found that "after adding chili to the diet, the LDL, or bad cholesterol, actually resisted oxidation for a longer period of time, (delaying) the development of a major risk for cardiovascular disease". ^[19][20]
• Australian researchers at the University of Tasmania found that the amount of insulin required to lower blood sugar after a meal is reduced if the meal contains chili pepper. Insulin is a Hormone with intensive effects on both metabolism and several other body systems (eg vascular compliance ^[21]
• Chilli peppers are being probed as a treatment for alleviating chronic pain. ^[22][23]
• Spices, including chilli, are theorized to control the microbial contamination levels of food in countries with minimal or no refrigeration. ^[24]
• Hot peppers can provide symptomatic relief from rhinitis and possibly bronchitis by thinning and clearing mucus from stuffed noses or congested lungs. Rhinitis is the medical term describing irritation and inflammation of some internal areas of the Nose. Bronchitis is an Inflammation of the Bronchi. More specifically it may refer to Acute bronchitis, caused by viruses or bacteria and lasting In vertebrates mucus is a slippery secretion produced by and covering Mucous membranes It is a viscous Colloid containing Antiseptic enzymes (such as lung is the essential Respiration organ in air-breathing Animals including most Tetrapods a few Fish and a few Snails The most primitive

• Several studies found that capsaicin could have an anti-ulcer protective effect on stomachs infected with H. pylori by affecting the chemicals the stomach secretes in response to infection. Helicobacter pylori ( is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic Bacterium that inhabits various areas of the stomach and Duodenum. ^[25][26][27]

• By combining an anesthetic with capsaicin, researchers can block pain in rat paws without causing temporary paralysis. This anesthetic may one day allow patients to be conscious during surgery and may also lead to the development of more effective chronic pain treatments. ^[28][29]

Possible health risks

• A high consumption of chili is associated with stomach cancer. Stomach or gastric cancer can develop in any part of the Stomach and may spread throughout the stomach and to other organs particularly the Esophagus and ^{[30][31][32][33]}
• Chili powders may sometimes be adulterated with Sudan I, II, III, IV, para-Red, and other illegal carcinogenic dyes. Sudan I (also commonly known as CI Solvent Yellow 14 and Solvent Orange R) is a Lysochrome, an diazo-conjugate dye with a chemical formula ^[34]
• Aflatoxins and N-nitroso compounds, which are carcinogenic, are frequently found in chili powder. Aflatoxins are naturally occurring Mycotoxins that are produced by many species of Aspergillus, a Fungus, most notably Aspergillus Nitrosamines are Chemical compounds of the Chemical structure R1N(-R2-N=O some of which are carcinogenic. ^{[35][36][37][38][39]}
• Chronic ingestion of chili products may induce gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( American English and Canadian English) or Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease ( British English, Hiberno-English ^[40]
• Chili may increase the number of daily bowel movements and lower pain thresholds for people with irritable bowel syndrome. In Gastroenterology, irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) is a Functional bowel disorder characterized by mild to severe Abdominal pain, discomfort ^[41]
• Chilis should never be swallowed whole; there are cases where unchewed chilis have caused bowel obstruction and perforation. ^[42]
• Consumption of red chilis after anal fissure surgery should be forbidden to avoid postoperative symptoms. An anal fissure is an unnatural crack or tear in the Anus skin ^[43]
• Ingestion of even small amounts of hot chilis may temporarily aggravate the symptoms affecting hemorrhoid patients, such as pain, itching, and bleeding. Hemorrhoids ( AmE) haemorrhoids ( BrE) emerods, or piles are varicosities or swelling and Inflammation
• Consumption of chilis or other hot spices may aggravate inflammation of existing joint pain maladies, such as bursitis and gout. Bursitis is the Inflammation of one or more bursae (small sacs of Synovial fluid in the body Gout (also called metabolic arthritis) is a disease created by a buildup of Uric acid.

Footnotes

External links

• Plant Cultures: Chilli pepper botany, history and uses
• The Chile Pepper Institute of New Mexico State University
• Capsicums: Innovative Uses of an Ancient Crop
• Chile varieties database