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Chili Peppers: Feed's All You Need Guide

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Spicy food fans rejoice: this one is for you! Chili peppers are an incredibly versatile and useful spice that many cuisines and cultures around the globe enjoy in their cooking and dishes. Whether you’re a fan of hot sauce, spicy curry, or even enjoy a bit of a kick in your omelet, chili peppers can help elevate your cooking and culinary experience. There are a wide variety of different chili peppers to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and notable spice level, so there is bound to be a chili pepper species for everyone! For today’s Feed's All You Need guide, we’re exploring the world of chili peppers, including a bit of their history, the different types of chili peppers you can find, and the different dishes you can make. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique spice, then read on.


History of Chili Peppers:

Before we jump into the wonderful world of chili peppers, it’s important to look at how they’ve become such an integral part of so many cuisines and dishes globally. According to New Mexico State University, chili peppers are known to have originated in the lowlands of Brazil and still continue to have the largest number of species in the world! There are 26 known wild chili pepper species as well as five domesticated species, including Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum pubescens, as noted by Spices Inc


Chilis have played a large part in the history of many civilizations around the globe, beginning thousands of years ago in Central and South America, where the Mayans and Aztecs first cultivated them. Chili peppers were highly valued by the ancient civilizations of the Americas and were used in various ways, including fresh, dried, and smoked within the numerous dishes enjoyed within the local communities. Thanks to chili’s medicinal properties, they were also used to treat various ailments, including stomach pain, headaches, and toothaches.



When Spanish explorers arrived in the Americas in the 15th century, they were introduced to chili peppers and quickly became enamored with them. They brought them back to Europe, where they were initially used as medicinal plants. However, it wasn't long before the culinary potential of chili peppers was recognized, and they began to be used in cooking within the continent; the first known use of chili peppers within European cooking was in Spanish and Portuguese dishes after they were brought by Spanish explorers!


From Europe, chili peppers spread around the world, carried by traders, explorers, and colonists. They were introduced to Asia by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, quickly becoming a popular ingredient in cuisines across the continent. In India, for example, chili peppers were used to add heat to traditional curries and chutneys, while in China, they were used to add flavor and color to dishes. Today, chili peppers are cultivated around the world and are an essential ingredient in many cuisines. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and levels of heat, ranging from mild bell peppers to extremely hot ghost peppers. 


Wait, what is a Scoville, then?


If you’ve looked at the bottle of many different hot sauces, you’ve likely seen something called the Scoville level of the chili that the hot sauce is made of. Well, according to MasterClass, the Scoville scale is a tool for measuring the spiciness of hot peppers and measures the amount of capsaicin within the peppers that are being enjoyed. The Scoville scale actually emerged thanks to the work of American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville in 1912. The test he came up with during the time helped him understand how much a pepper needed to be diluted to lose its heat, and the same basis is still used today to measure the heat of peppers today!


What types of chili peppers exist, and how can I use them?


There are a wide variety of different peppers available on the market within your local grocery stores as well as within specialty stores that are worth trying! While you may think all chili peppers are extremely hot, there are many that are actually quite mild but still provide a delicious flavor to all sorts of dishes. Here are some of the most popular chili peppers you’ll likely find:


There are many different types of chili peppers, ranging from mild to extremely spicy. Here are some of the most common types you’ll find:




Anaheim: Anaheim peppers, also known as the “New Mexico Chili”, are a delicious mild chili option to try if you’re looking for an easy way to ease into spicy food. They’re perfect for stuffing or for roasting and make a mouthwatering chile relleno, a delicious fried stuffed pepper with cheese! These peppers are also wonderful for making salsas, soups, hearty beef chili, and so much more. Looking for ways to incorporate anaheim peppers into your meals? Try this easy Mango Corn Salsa, this healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup, or these southwest anaheim stuffed peppers



Jalapeño: Another tasty (and a bit more spicy) pepper to try is the classic Jalapeño. These peppers are medium-spicy and are commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, like salsas, guacamole, and other dips, as well as in marinades and sauces for meats, poultry, and seafood. They can also be roasted, grilled, or pickled for added flavor and texture and can even be stuffed for a delicious appetizer! Want to try this pepper out for yourself? Try these mouthwatering Jalapeño poppers, this skillet corn with Jalapeno, or this tasty Jalapeño chili!


Serrano: The third pepper on our list is the serrano pepper! These are similar to jalapeños but are slightly spicier and have thinner skin. Typically used in salsas and sauces, serrano peppers provide a bold and notable flavor and make for a wonderful option if you’re looking for a bit more heat in your food. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate this pepper into some recipes, try this homemade spicy serrano hot sauce (perfect for all sorts of meals!), this chunky guacamole with serrano peppers, and this delicious grilled corn salad!


Ghost Pepper: Possibly the hottest pepper you’ll find, the Ghost Pepper is one to be wary of. The flavor is complex and fruity, with a smoky and sweet undertone. Some people enjoy the unique flavor and incorporate them into their cooking. Due to their extreme spiciness, though, ghost peppers are often added to dishes in small quantities, such as hot sauces, marinades, or rubs.


All in all, chili peppers are a delicious way to enjoy a different flavor in so many of the dishes you make daily. Whether you’re looking for bolder flavor or a way to spice up your daily cuisine, experimenting with new chili peppers can help transform the way you enjoy food. Remember, when using chili peppers, it's important to handle them carefully, as the oils can irritate the skin and eyes. To decrease the spiciness of a dish, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before using them. So go out there and explore all of the wonders chili peppers offer!


#peppers #chili #chilipeppers #spicyfood #spicyingredients #foodie #foodinspiration #healthyeating

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