Description
Chili peppers are the spicy fruits of plants from the genus Capsicum. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors—ranging from small and round to long and slender, and colors include green, red, yellow, orange, and even purple or brown. Chili peppers are known for their heat, which comes from a chemical compound called capsaicin. This compound stimulates heat receptors in the mouth, causing the characteristic spicy or burning sensation.
Chili peppers are widely used in cooking around the world to add flavor and heat to dishes. They can be eaten fresh, dried, powdered (like chili powder or cayenne), or made into sauces like hot sauce or salsa. Besides their culinary uses, chili peppers also have health benefits such as boosting metabolism and providing antioxidants.
There are many popular varieties of chili peppers, including jalapeños, habaneros, serranos, cayenne, and bird’s eye chilies. The heat level can vary widely among types, measured on the Scoville Heat Scale, from mild to extremely hot.