A chili pepper is the spicy fruit of a plant in the Capsicum genus of the nightshade family, known for its characteristic pungency from the compound capsaicin. These fruits vary widely in size, shape, color (typically red or green), and flavor, offering a range of mild to intensely hot experiences. Originating in the Americas & Africa, they are used as a culinary spice and vegetable, with many varieties cultivated worldwide for dishes, sauces, and powders, and even in some pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
Chili peppers are highly nutritious, offering significant amounts of vitamins A and C, along with minerals like potassium, iron, and copper. They are low in calories and contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat and for potential health benefits such as pain reduction, improved heart health, and anti-obesity effects.
