If you take a page out of the history book you can be sure that mankind has always been trying to improve. It’s no different for chili peppers. Since the beginning of the invention of the chili pepper, there has always been someone trying to bring up the heat.
If you’ve ever wondered about chili peppers – their origin, how they are measured, or what makes them so hot, look no further. Here is your official guide to everything chili pepper.
Welcome, and get ready for a ride that your taste buds may or may not be able to handle.
A page out of the history book
Chili peppers originated in Mexico. When the Columbian exchange happened, chili peppers made their way around the world as a global phenomenon. Back in the day, people not only used this fruit for a spice, but for medical purposes as well.
Capscinoids are what we owe the pain of the burning in our mouths to. This compound lives in chilis and are what gives them their intense heat.
After they were discovered in the Americas, those who used it for trading spread it to Asia. Spanish travelers often traded on routes, which were dominated by Asian and Portugese people. It is then that chilis began to take a worldwide turn.
The Portugese then passed down their chilis to Central Asia, Turkey, and Hungary. Today, they are still used in popular dishes.
Since their origin in these countries, chilis have become an integral part of food culture around the world. Different types of chilis reside with various regions unique to their food style and cuisine.
From Italy to Hungary, South America, Thailand, and more, chilis are necesary for certain economies where agriculture is the focus of everything commerce-related.
A way to measure Heat (Scovilles)
Once the production of chili peppers began, they found that some were spicier than others. In 1912, a scientist named Wilbur L. Scoville developed a test to measure the heat inside the chili. Scoville invented this procedure while working a pharmaceutical company. In his experiment, he took a part of the pepper and diluted it in sugar water until the heat had been extracted. The Scoville scale was born upon the degrees of heat that were then taken out of the pepper.
Unfortunately, the only way to test this theory was through human taste, so sometimes it can vary. Despite this slight discretion, the Scoville Scale was born.
A Healthy Way to Jumpstart Your Meals
Chili peppers provide health benefits. In ancient times, doctors found that chili peppers were used to decrease risks in health and cure illnesses.
Capascin, the same component that might make your senses tingle and your eyes water, is the ingredient that cures.
It is used for pain relief in arthritis patients as well as skin ailments.
If you think your taste buds can handle a spicy pepper, you’re in luck – you will benefit from it. Peppers are proven to fight inflammatory diseases and cancer, fight against disease, reduce insulin levels, and help sinus infections. Those who have ginger when they are sick might want to switch to peppers for a result they may not expect from these colorful “fruits.”
A Rainbow Of Color
While green and red are two of the most popular colors for chili’s, there’s a scale that makes up the entire spectrum of the rainbow.
While the hottest chili pepper ranks supreme in it’s bright red pigment, the hottest edible pepper is actually orange. For more on the hottest chili peppers, visit our extensive list of scorching chilis.
Ranking more medium are those that are red, green, and yellow. However, some before they are ripe can be purple or white.
Sweet peppers can range on any color in the spectrum.
As they say, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Peppers colors don’t usually distinguish it’s heat. It’s what is on the inside that counts.
Despite the differentiating heat, peppers come in diverse colors. Add it to your meal for some color and nutrients in your diet.
A Realm like no Other
The world of peppers is a diverse one. From the hottest, record breaking, inedible peppers to those that are common around the world, there is no limit to this world. Scientists are constantly working on peppers to make them tolerable to the public.
Some things never go out of style – and since it has been around for hundreds of years, it is clear this fruit isn’t going anywhere. Get yourself acquainted with some of the many hot and sweet peppers we have listed on our website – maybe you will find the perfect ingredient for your next batch of queso, chili, or hot sauce.
For more information, see our complete guide to all of the different types of chili’s.
Take a look at all of the different chili peppers from around the world:
Mild Chili Peppers for cooking and more!
Medium Peppers to excite your taste buds.
Medium to Hot Chilis for those who dare.
..And the Hottest Peppers on the planet for those who want to set their mouths and (their next hot sauce) on fire!