All About Peppers

Where did peppers come from?Fresno
One of the most common genuses of peppers, knownPoblano
as the capsicum, is thought to have been in existenceHabanero
millions of years ago in present-day Bolivia, accordingCubanelle
to the Chicago Botanic Garden's Information andChipotle
Resources. But, the first known cultivation of peppersJalapeno
happened in Mexico and Central, as well as SouthSerrano
America 10,000 years ago. The probable spread ofMariachi
these crops from Bolivia to these areas is attributed toAside from the different colored bell peppers used in
birds. The capsicums existed mainly in the Americasstirfry, many of these other peppers are considered
until about 1600. Christopher Columbus' voyages werehot peppers.
helpful in spreading capsicum peppers throughout theHow can you tell how hot a pepper is?
world.The range of spiciness for peppers is measured in
The original peppers were tiny and round, unlike mostscoville units. Wilbur Scoville developed a scale to help
of today's peppers which are long and larger.determine this very issue and measure pepper
What can I do with peppers?pungency in 1912. The higher the number of scoville
Most commonly, peppers have been used to spice upunits, the hotter the pepper. Here's a basic Scoville
generally boring foods like rice or corn. Through theScale. that shows habaneros trumping chipotles and
years though, people have come up with a whole slewjalapenos as the most commonly known hottest
of uses for peppers from making pepper jelly, to usingpepper.
ornamental peppers for garlands. Here's a list of theHealth Effects
most interesting as well as some of the moreRegular pepper consumption is thought to have both
common uses for peppers:good and bad effects on one's health. One of the
Pickled Peppersmost clear effects of eating peppers is what it does
Pepper Jelly - Dried Apricot Jalapeno Jellyfor congestion. Eating peppers, especially those hot
Roasted Peppersones, will help clear up your nasal passages in no times
Adding Peppers to pasta dishes(as will most spicy foods!)
Hot SauceAccording to a University study, consuming peppers
Pepper Garlands/Decorationsregularly can help body control their insulin, which would
Using peppers in stirfrybe very beneficial for diabetics. Other studies show
Pepper vinegarthough that pepper digestion can increase the risks of
Pepper spray (animal deterrent for plants)stomach cancer, but the definite answer remains
What different types of peppers are there?unclear. Research has also been done linking peppers
There all sorts of classifications for peppers. There isto helping stop the spread of prostrate cancer in some
the scientific classification method that uses the genusmen.
and species name: The most commonly known andPepper Recipes (See for the following:)
cultivated genus of peppers is the capsicum, whereasPepper Sauce
the five most common species of peppers (all withinBasic Salsa
the capsicum category) include: chinense, frutescens,Salsa Cruda
pubescens, annum, and baccatum. All of these typesCrowd Pleasing Chili
of peppers are also labelled chillies.Roast Beef and Red Pepper Sandwiches
There is the usage method which categories variousImpossibly Easy Roasted Red Peppers and Feta
peppers into hot, sweet, or ornamental. And then, thereCheese Pie
is the location-classified method that is what givesTangy Lemon Pepper Shrimp
some peppers its actual name.Stuffed Peppers
Here's a basic list of some of the varieties of thePepper Herb Grilling Rub
mentioned species of peppers you might see in yourSources:
local grocery stores:Chicago Botanic Gardens
Bell pepperThe Scoville Scale
Anaheim pepperTheChilliKing.