Capsicum: Exploring the World of Peppers - Varieties, History & Heat

The name of the genus of pepper plants of the nightshade family, capsicum also refers to the fruit of the plants. The genus is categorized into hot peppers, including Tabasco, cayenne and chili, and sweet peppers, such as the bell pepper.

History

• Native to Mexico and South America, peppers in the capsicum genus are grown for the table in other warm climates, too. Members of this genus are rated by their heat percentage, which can be anything from 0-1.5%, with bell peppers being the mildest.

Hot Pepper Uses

• The hot peppers in the capsicum genus are mostly used for seasoning hot dishes. They provide varying levels of heat and are eaten in more minimal quantities than the sweet peppers because of their bite.

Sweet Pepper Uses

• The sweet peppers in this genus, the bell peppers, are used in cooking as well. They make an ideal addition to a vegetable salad or can be eaten alone, as well as cooked in a dish.

Capsaicin

• Capsaicin, the compound which gives hot peppers their heat, has been used successfully to treat arthritis and other joint ailments.

Medicinal Uses

• The cayenne pepper of this genus has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of digestive and circulatory issues.